Leona Connell

Leona "Lee" Connell, 90, of Waterloo, died at Parkview Manor Nursing Home, Reinbeck, on Friday, January 17, 2025. She was born April 14, 1934, in Tripoli, daughter of George and Anna M. Wagner Keroff.

She married Robert "R.J." Connell on July 1, 1950, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waterloo; he died December 6, 2010.

Lee worked in the lab/mailroom at UnityPoint Health–Allen Hospital for 27 years, retiring in 1997. She helped form the union at the hospital and was chief union steward for United Food & Commercial Workers for 12 years. She was a lifelong Waterloo resident and member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Lee enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Branson, MO; collecting dolls; shopping; and visiting with friends and family.

Lee is survived by three daughters: Debra Luloff of Cedarville, IL, Victoria (Tom) Wehrle of Evansdale, and Lorraine Bundy of Evansdale; two sons: Robert "Bob" (Kate) Connell of Greeley, CO, and Anthony "Tony" (Tiffany) Connell of Columbus, NE; eight grandchildren: Angie Luloff, Jenny (Bud) Ashton, LeAnna (Eric) Rogers, Scott Connell, Andrew (Mandy) Wehrle, Bryan (Rylee) Wehrle, Blake Smith-Connell, and Connor Connell; six great grandchildren: Josh (Alyssa), Brady, Zach , Anna, Alexandria, and Shawnee; and three great great grandchildren: Zach Jr., Zasia and Harper.

She is preceded in death by her husband; a son, Ronald; granddaughter, Jenna Lee Bundy; siblings and their spouses: Lowell and Marlene Keroff, Duane and Sharon Keroff, and Viola "Vi" and Jack Kingsbury.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo, 650 Stephan Ave, with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 at the church. Burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Cards sent to the funeral home will be forwarded to the family. Condolences: www.LockeFuneralServices.com