Leone Katherine Weinzierl, 90, a longtime resident of St. Bonifacius, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Nov. 22, 2024.
She was born on May 19, 1934, to Bernard “Ben” and Rose Hinnenkamp Barhorst.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 4025 Main St., in St. Bonifacius with the Rev. Peter Hughes as celebrant. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Leone grew up in a loving family and attended parochial school and high school in Melrose.
On Oct. 7, 1961, Leone married Andrew James Weinzierl at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. She dedicated her professional life to health care, graduating from the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis and completing the respiratory therapy program at Methodist Hospital. Leone worked at Methodist Hospital and served for many years with the Minneapolis Visiting Nurses Association until her retirement.
Leone was deeply committed to her community and church. As an active member of St. Bonifacius Catholic Church, she served as a CCW Faith Formation teacher, choir leader and Mass greeter. Her contributions extended to the parish council and the liturgy community. Alongside her husband, she co-founded Spass Tagen in 1976, a beloved community event. Leone also took pride in her role as a grand marshal member of Legion Auxiliary 597, where she contributed to educational initiatives and the Girls State program for many years.
Outside of her community service, Leone enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and interests. She traveled extensively across Europe with her beloved sister, Adeline; brother-in-law Larry and friends. She cherished winters in Mesa, Arizona, and had the adventurous spirit to climb Mt. Hood at the age of 23. Leone was actively involved with the Gillespie Singers of Mound and participated in the funeral choir at St. Bonifacius Catholic Church. Above all, she treasured attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sports events, activities, music celebrations and award recognitions.
Leone was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard (Ben) and Rose Barhorst; her beloved sister, Adeline “Addie” Hortsch; her in-laws Andrew and Frances (Francie) Weinzierl; her sister-in-law, Mary Weinzierl; and her brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Weinzierl.
She is survived by her loving husband, Andrew Weinzierl; her four children, Andrew (Jodi) Weinzierl of Delano, Carmen (Monty) Morrow of Hutchinson, Lisa (Kenneth) Peitz of Chanhassen and John (Julie) Weinzierl of Buffalo; her nine grandchildren, Evan (Ashley) Weinzierl, Whitney (Colin) Muehleisen, Mikayla (Steven) Plocker, Kendra (Mitchell) Rothstein, Nicole (Jarett) Flander, Danielle (Trae) Berhow, Andrew (Margarita) Weinzierl, Cody Weinzierl, and Jadyn Weinzierl; her one great-grandchild, Daphne; and her one future great-grandchild, Adaline.
Leone will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, community and faith. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.
