Leanna Grace Hendrickson

Leanna Grace Hendrickson, age 92, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, passed away on June 24, 2026, at Osage Hospital. Leanna was born at home on July 17, 1933, to Floyd E. and Beryl V. (Duckett) Morley in Fontanelle, Iowa. She attended schools in Boone and Forest City and graduated from Forest City High School in 1951.

Leanna attended Waldorf College in Forest City, graduating with an Elementary Education teaching degree in 1953. After her children were born, she decided to further her education, attending summer sessions at Upper Iowa University in Fayette before earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1974. She spent a total of 38 years teaching in St. Ansgar, Mitchell, and Osage.

Her first teaching job was at St. Ansgar Elementary School. While in St. Ansgar, Leanna rented a room from Jerry and Mary Ann Halvorson — a fortuitous arrangement, as the Halvorson’s were good friends with a young local farmer recently discharged from the Army.

On June 12, 1955, Leanna married Don Hendrickson in Forest City, Iowa — a much-needed happy occasion, coming exactly three months after the tragic passing of her father, Floyd. Leanna was given in marriage by her brother-in-law, Caroll Gullickson. Four children were born to this union: Joan of Dodge City, Kan.; Jon (Caryn) of Healdsburg, Calif.; Mark (Beverly) of Osage; and James (Joan) of St. Ansgar.

Leanna was active in many clubs and organizations, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the American Legion Auxiliary, Stitch and Chat, Bridge Club, the St. Ansgar Heritage and Museum, and Mary-Ruth Circle. Faith and church were very important to her. She also enjoyed attending the sporting events of her children and, especially, her grandchildren.

Leanna is survived by her sister, Norma Gullickson; her four children; seven grandchildren — Jacob (Amber), Adam (Emma), Julia, Marissa (Brock), Parker (Brenna), Avery, and McCabe; and four great-grandchildren — Morley, Wiley, Reagan, and Ledger.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials in lieu of flowers: South Square St. Ansgar, St. Ansgar Heritage Museum.

Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is assisting the family with arrangements.