Leona D. Pretzel, (nee Daniels) was born in Chicago. Daughter of the late William and Louise Daniels. Leona is survived by her children Dr. Mark (Gunda) Pretzel and Lisa (Dennis) Clark; grandchildren Nicole and Michael Clark; aunt of Heidi (Tomas) Paulius, Holly Pretzel Lockwood, Donald (Barbara) Daniels, and the late Robert Daniels, Pat (Charles) Gianasi, and William “Bud” (Ann) Daniels. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph W. Pretzel and her brothers Robert and Ray Daniels, brother in law Hugo (Susanne) Pretzel.
Leona was a gymnast and water skier, she graduated Valedictorian from Flower High School. She went on to study at Roosevelt University and Northwestern University. She was office manager in psychology department at Illinois Institute of Technology and the Marvin Frank Ad Agency in Chicago. In 1950 she married Ralph. While raising her family and caring for many she became a certified ceramic instructor, teaching at St. Mark Church. Later she worked for Francis Cadillac and Joe Mitchell Buick. She enjoyed traveling, skiing, and being at the lake, but loved caring for her grandchildren. Her compassion, perseverance, wit and love she gave will be sorely missed by all.
Visitation Friday, 10:00 A.M. until Funeral Services 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille St., Mt. Prospect.
Private Interment Acacia Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials to P.A.W.S, www.pawschicago.org