Leona Bergin, 66, of Wagner

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. John's Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial is in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services are 7 PM Sunday at the church.

Leona May Bergin was born July 29, 1949 to Ernest and Irene (Pesicka) Bures in Pickstown, SD. She passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015 surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner.

Leona attended Ravinia Consolidated School until 1966 and went on to earn her GED. Leona married Wayne S. Bergin December 28, 1965 in Lake Andes, SD. They resided on the family farm west of Wagner for 50 years. During this time she worked alongside Wayne on the farm. She also worked as a Med Aide/ CNA for 38 years at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and St. Johns Altar Society.

Leona will be remembered for her positive attitude and infectious smile. She was always thoughtful and kind to everyone. She loved playing cards, baking, gardening, canning and working with animals, especially her beloved sheep. But most importantly her unwavering devotion and love for her children and grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life is her husband, Wayne and their four children: Carl (Donell) Bergin of Meadowlands, MN, Colette Bergin of Omaha, NE, Connie (Tony) Miles of Lincoln NE and Wayne Jr (Jayme) Bergin of Wagner; six grandchildren: Katelyn, Hailey, Megan, Taylor, Cole and Callie and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Leona was blessed to have eight brothers and sisters growing up one mile south of Ravinia; late Edward Bures (Jacalyn) of Wagner, Ernie Ray (Debbie) Bures of Tyndall, JoAnn (Ron) Mazourek of Wagner, Richard (Deb) Bures of Aberdeen, Marilyn (Greg) Markley of Aberdeen, Tom (Donajean) Bures of Sargeant Bluff, IA, Helen-Babe (Brian) Martin of Amarillo, TX; and Frank (Dawn) Bures of Harrisburg; a step-sister Alona Ebright of Lake Andes; and sister-in-law Betty (Paul) Wentland of Denver, CO. She learned the art of playing polka music with her family band, The Bures Bohemian Band.

Leona was preceded in death by her infant daughter Rose Marie; her parents; her mother-in-law Mary Bergin; brother Edward Bures; brother-in-law Lyle Bergin; and sister-in-law Ruby Schaefer.

Leona has touched so many lives in one way or another and will be deeply missed. Our memories of her will be cherished forever.