Leona Pfaffendorf Obituary Leona Pfaffendorf, age 92, passed into God's open arms on November 25, 2012. Born April 30, 1920 in the Township of Dean Lake, MN to August and Katherine (Tholen) Beneke. August Charles Fred Beneke born January 23, 1888, passed away January 10, 1963. Katherine L. Tholen born June 16, 1895, passed away October 10, 1980. Leona attended the local country school until 8th grade. She then moved to live with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Matt Gutenkauf, in Ironton, where she worked in their General Store. Later she moved to Brainerd. Leona later met and married Roman Pfaffendorf on June 15, 1940, and raised three children. Leona worked at the neighborhood Baker Boy Bakery, and then at The Diner and at the hospital where she worked until retirement. Leona kept busy volunteering. She took pride in caring for the children in St. Andrew's Church Nursery. Leona volunteered at Brainerd Hospice Care, the Moose Lodge, American Legion, the Eagles and the Senior Center. She was a volunteer at Bethany Nursing Home, which she later chose to make her home. In recognition of these many hours of time give to others, Leona was awarded the very first "Co-worker of the Year Award for all of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico" by the International Women of the Moose, at their convention in Las Vegas. With this award, she was given a two-week, all expenses paid trip for two to England. Preceded in death by her husband, Roman Pfaffendorf, grandson, Mark Hansen, great granddaughter, Charlotte Hansen, siblings, Fred, William, Catherine, Annie, Margaret, Mary, and Louise; and her parents. Survived by son, Jim Pfaffendorf, daughters, Clarice (Donald) Hardy and Marlyss (Douglas) Thiel; nine grandchildren and many great great grandchildren. Services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Good Samaritan Society - Bethany Chapel. Visitation will begin the hour before services. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd. In Lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Bethany Auxiliary in her honor.