Leona Saatoff

Leona Saatoff, 102, Detroit Lakes, MN formerly Waubun, MN died Saturday, August 13, 2011 in the Oak Crossing Nursing Home. Leona was born March 20, 1909 the oldest child of Jalla and Caroline (Smith) Saatoff in Belmond, IA. As a child, she moved with her family to Waubun and was raised on a farm west of town. She attended grade school at Popple Grove and high school in Waubun. Leona graduated from the Waubun High School with the class of 1926. She then attended Moorhead Teachers College for two years before beginning her teaching career. Leona first taught in Hancock, MN for three years before moving to Minneapolis, MN. She taught grades 1 through 4 in the Minneapolis school systems for the next 45 years, a career she truly loved. During that time, Leona was involved with many different aspects of Minnesota’s education. In 1948, she was involved with a teacher’s strike which when settled, has insured Minnesota teachers a salary schedule to insure their incomes even today. In the late 1960’s, Leona was part of the integration of the Hale School (an all white school) and the Field School (an all black School) into one new school. She also co-authored a book that was used throughout the school system. After her retirement in 1976, Leona moved back to Waubun. While living here, she was active in both her community and in her church. She volunteered at the Waubun Elementary School, senior citizens group, “the Twilighters”, meals on wheels and read to folks at Hillview Home. In her church Leona was involved with ladies aid, “Prime Timers”, which did quilting and crafting. In 2003, she was awarded the Golden Deeds Award from the Mahnomen Library Club. In the mid 2000’s, Leona moved into Lincoln Park Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes and had made her home there until a few weeks ago when she become a resident of Oak Crossing. She is survived by five nephews, which includes Gene Saatoff of Waubun and Jim Saatoff of Deer River, MN; and sister-in-law, Leona Saatoff (Mrs. Rint) of Waubun. Leona was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth, her brother, Rint and two nephews, David Childs and Dennis Saatoff. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17th at 10:30 am in the Circles of Faith United Church of Christ Church, Waubun. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Pastor Kristy May will officiate with Carol Christensen serving as pianist. Carrie Jirava will sing “In the Garden” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Her pallbearers will be Gene Saatoff, Jim Saatoff, Lee Childs, Merlin Christensen, Jody Saatoff and Jack Holl. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.

Leona Saatoff

March 20, 1909 - August 13, 2011