Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Road Valparaiso, IN  46383 (219) 462-0535

Kosanke Funeral Home 105 East Indiana Avenue Kouts, IN  46347 (219) 766-2224

Wanatah Funeral Chapel 309 North Main Street Wanatah, IN  46390 (219) 733-2313

Angelcrest Cemetery Highway 49 and 600 North Valparaiso, IN  46383 (219) 531-8690

Leona B. Rauen, 95, of Wanatah passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at home surrounded by her family.  She was born May 6, 1925 to Edwin & Nina (Sims) Benkie and graduated from Wanatah High School.  Leona was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.  She would help on the Benkie family berry farm during the summer season, but always considered her role as a wife and mother to be her chosen vocation.  The gaggle of grandchildren that always seemed to consider her house their second home were always passionately welcomed.  She excelled at card games of all kinds, painting, arts & crafts, crocheting, flower gardening and every manner of tasks associated with rural life.  Her abundance of life was never wasted, embracing every moment with faith in God with her family and friends.  On July 14, 1943 she married Irvan G. Rauen who preceded her in death in 2013.  Survivors include their children, Judy Shireman, Sharon Mattox, Linda (Steve) Mattox & Vernon (Barbara) Rauen all of Wanatah, brother, Gerald (Carol) Benkie of Valparaiso, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Bernell & Howard Benkie, her son-in-law, Donald Shireman, and grandson-in-law, Mike McArdle .
A private family service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church with burial following at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Due to allergens the family requests that no flowers be sent as memorials.  Donations may be made in Leona’s name to the church.