Leona Szudlo

Leona Szudlo, age 100, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Cottonwood Assisted Living in Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial is in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Leona Julia Szudlo was born April 27, 1925, to Martin and Lucy (Bongers) Speicher in Columbus. She attended District 9 grade school and graduated from St. Bonaventure High School with the class of 1942.

Leona married Alfred Szudlo on August 19, 1947, at St. Bonaventure Church. To this union, three children were born: Connie, Darlene and Gerald. Alfred built the house that she lived in from 1947 to 2021 on 17th St. This home was filled with their favorite things like knickknacks of all kinds, including a “hand” collection. In her later years, Leona loved her waterless flowers in her yard, and she loved planning parties.

 Leona was a lifelong member of St. Bonaventure Church and a member of Christian Mothers. She worked at the Scotus cafeteria from 1967 to 1987. 

Leona‘s favorite vacations were traveling to many different places in their motorhome and camping with all the kids and grandkids for many summers. 

Those left to cherish her memory include: 
Daughter: Connie (Raymond) Flood of Newman Grove 
Daughter: Darlene (Loren) Cattau of Columbus
Son: Gerald (Joani) Szudlo of Lincoln
7 grandchildren 
16 great grandchildren 

She is preceded in death by: 
Husband: Alfred Szudlo
Parents: Martin and Lucy Speicher 
Brother: Milton (Carole) Speicher 
Parents in-law: Stanley and Cecilia Szudlo 
Sisters-in-law: Florence Boettcher and Emily Kobus 
Brothers-in-law: Leonard and Bernard Szudlo 
Great granddaughter: Gabriella Schuller