Leona Loretta Greim
Leona Loretta Greim was born April 29, 1933 at Campbell, Nebraska to Emil and Clara (Troester) Bartels. She was the youngest of five children.
Leona attended first through eighth grades at Campbell Country School, and graduated from Campbell High School with the Class of 1951.
She worked at a Christian children’s home for a year, then located in Scottsbluff where she was employed at the hospital and the telephone office.
Leona met Gilbert Greim through a cousin from Imperial while attending a service at the Lutheran church in Imperial. On Aug. 3, 1963, Leona and Gilbert were married.
The couple worked and lived on their farm 15 miles southwest of Imperial where they raised cattle and hogs. They farmed three pivots which were planted to corn along with some dryland which they planted to wheat.
Leona was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial. Family and friends could always look forward to her yearly Christmas card, which was a short synopsis of everything that happened during the year. Leona loved to play cards and this short story was a favorite.
EMERGENCY CALL: A doctor answered his phone in the evening and heard a familiar voice of a colleague on the other line: “We need a fourth player for poker,” said his friend. “I’ll be right over,” said the doctor. “Where are you going at this hour?” demanded his wife. “I’m sorry, Honey,” he replied, “but I have an emergency call.” “Is it serious?” “Oh, yes, very serious,” said the doctor. “In fact, there are three doctors there already.”
Leona lost Gilbert on May 14, 2019. After his passing, she moved to the Imperial Heights where she met many dear friends. Leona was known as a hard worker and was kind to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.
Leona passed away early Thursday morning June 3, 2021, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. She was 88 years of age.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert; brothers, Marvin (Lenora) Bartels and Harlan Bartels; sister, Mildred (Chester) Deering; sister-in-law, Carol Bartels; and niece, Carole Deering.
Survivors include her brother, Gerald Bartels of Franklin; nieces and nephews, Janice (Marty) Mandt, Dennis (Barb) Bartels, Joyce McDaniel, Steve (Debbie) Bartels, Kenny (Dyan) Bartels and David (Nancy) Bartels; many more great nieces and nephews and a host of good friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday morning, June 15 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial with Pastor David Kahle officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial. Visitation will be available at the funeral services.
A memorial has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial building fund.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com. Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial is entrusted with arrangements.