Leona L Hotakainen

Leona Lorene Hotakainen was born on February 7, 1928, at her Grandparents’ home in Poplar Township, Cass County, MN.  Her parents were the late Paul and Thelma (Johnson) Swehla. Leona graduated from Sebeka High School, Sebeka, MN in 1947, with the honor of being their first Homecoming Queen. On August 6, 1948, Leona married Gerald LaValley of Int’l Falls, MN.  Together they had 4 children: Jeanne, Donald, Jim and Mona. They shared a special bond in music, singing and playing instruments, a heritage they passed down to their children.   On June 10, 1972, Leona married Melvin Hotakainen and they relocated to Sebeka, MN.  They purchased some adjoining land from Melvin’s parents in the country and in 1977 purchased a new double-wide home that they completely remodeled in 1998.  It became a sanctuary for Mom and her pets and wildlife that found a home there also. Mom enjoyed music, gardening, playing scrabble, cards, spending time with family and friends, entertaining her grandkids, and hosting garage sales.   Leona’s life work included retail sales, bookkeeping and general labor.  Leona faithfully served at the Assembly of God Church in New York Mills, MN, playing guitar for Sunday worship services and teaching Sunday school.  She enjoyed recruiting for VBS, picking up neighborhood kids and providing them transportation. Leona had a servant’s heart and ministered to and shared the good news of the gospel with area neighbors and those in need.  She was the Matriarch of our family and was always there for us kids whenever we needed her, supporting our dreams and sharing our struggles. Leona was a very caring, fun-loving person, who maintained her sweet demeanor right to the very end. Leona Lorene Hotakainen passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the age of 90 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN.  While her body will be laid to rest at the West Lyons Cemetery in Verndale, MN, we know her spirit is at home with Jesus. Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Marvin Swehla.  Leona is survived by her husband Melvin; siblings: Amy (Robert) Broden and Iris (Ray) Hotakainen; daughters:  Jeanne Miller and Mona LaValley; sons: Donald (Kathryn) LaValley and Jim (Mary) LaValley; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. We miss you already Mom!  See you again in Heaven!! Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at West Lyons Cemetery