Leona G. Tauke

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Leona Tauke, 88, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, November 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born May 26, 1938, in New Vienna, Iowa, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Lansing) Bockenstedt.

Raised on a family farm in a large Catholic family, Leona developed a strong faith, a tremendous work ethic, and a competitive spirit. A standout basketball player, she once scored an impressive 56 points in a high school basketball game! Her love of sports continued throughout her life with golf, volleyball, skiing, and enthusiastically cheering on her children and grandchildren in all their activities.

After high school, she met the love of her life, Marvin Tauke. They married on November 9, 1957, and raised six children: Jeff, Mark, Mike, Jack, Lynn, and Lisa. Together, they made Dyersville home and built a life in business, including Tauke Implement, a Dairy Queen, and later Tauke Real Estate and Appraisal. In retirement, Leona and Marv enjoyed wintering in Arizona, where they spent many happy days golfing.

Leona loved the outdoors, animals, and adventure. Her children grew up with countless dogs, farm animals, golf outings, ski trips, canoe adventures, and hours spent skating, swimming, and sledding around the pond. She also loved baking for family and friends and was a devoted Hawkeye and Caitlin Clark fan. There was never a shortage of activity, good food, or memories!

Leona often said family was the most important thing in her life. She knew she wasn't perfect, but she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (affectionately called "the littles") with all her heart. She tried to walk through life with grace and dignity. In her final days, she spoke of missing Marv, Jeff, and Mark, and prayed for a peaceful passing, saying it was time to pass the torch as her time as family leader was done.

We loved our leader, and we hope to live lives as full, adventurous, and loving as hers. If love could have kept her here, she would have lived forever!

Leona will be dearly missed by her children: Mike, Jack, Lynn (Mark), and Lisa (Barry); grandchildren: Dillon (Tara) Mawe, Jesse (Mitch) Boge, Paige Klostermann, Jake (Addy) Mawe, Bennet Klostermann, Wade Mawe, Brooke (Michael) Lueken, and Blair (Paul) Cavin; and great-grandchildren: Max Hanken, Bailey Boge, Aubree Klostermann, William Lueken, Emmett Cavin, and Collin Lueken.

She is also survived by her siblings: Blanche Schulte, Dennis (Judy) Boeckenstedt, Jean (Ken) Kramer, Phyllis (Jim) Tigges, and Dean (Rosalie) Bockenstedt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marv; sons: Jeff and Mark; and several siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of the Ellen Kennedy Center, who cared for Leona so lovingly and became her second family after she moved there in 2020. Leona became affectionately known as the "Puzzle President," a title she wore proudly.

Memorials may be made in honor of Leona, to the Dyersville Health foundation in care of the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 9 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with inurnment at the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.