Leona E. Stibeck

Leona E. Stibeck, age 92, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Racine Hospice House. Leona was born in Clearmont, Wyoming, July 9, 1922, daughter of the late Anthony and Freida (Nee:Brehm) Willig. She was raised in Ft. Wayne, IN and schooled at Catholic Central.

On January 3, 1942 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Chicago she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond J. Stibeck, who preceded her in death January 2, 1996. Leona and her husband Ray owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants and also founded and designed the “Living Rosary Walkway” behind St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home. She was a longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and was instrumental in forming The Rosary Group that made and donated rosaries. She was also a member of the Catholic Womens Club and the Red Hat ladies. Above all she was devoted to her family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her children, Ray Stibeck II of Bryson City, NC, Carolyn “Cary” (Michael) Quinn of Racine; her seven grandchildren, Ray III, Tony, Theresa, Heather, Jaimie, John and Penny; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her brothers, James (Norma) Willig, Richard (Billie) Willig and a sister, Betty (Joseph) Haubner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. A luncheon reception will follow in Fr. Cox Hall. Entombment will be held at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Prior to Mass a Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M. followed by visitation from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Staffs of St. Catherine’s Hospital in Kenosha and Racine Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care and a special thank you to Leone’s dear friend, Janice Goebel for her love and support thru the years.