Leona Marie Theisen

She was born February 28, 1934 in Saint Joseph, MN, to Theodora (Brinkman) and Andrew Dullinger. She grew up on a family farm near Island Lake, Minnesota. She married her high school sweetheart, Alvin M. Theisen, in December 1953, and followed him around the world after he enlisted in the US Air Force. She was an Executive Secretary to the Base Commander in France, and an Education Coordinator at Tandem Computers in Reston, VA, but she would tell you her greatest achievement was being a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by four living children, Marilynn Knowles (Richard L. Knowles, Jr.), Michael Theisen, Mark Theisen (Patty Theisen), and Deborah Peavey (Raymond Peavey). She is also survived by six grandchildren and their spouses (Renee Theisen [Jason Martin], Sharon Codispoti [Vinny Codispoti], Melissa Palmer [Nick Palmer], Mark Theisen, Jr., Christopher Theisen, and Katie Kihl [Steven Kihl]), two step grandchildren and their spouses (Sean Knowles [Melissa Knowles], and Shane Knowles [Jacki Knowles]), eleven great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

She is predeceased by her husband, Alvin (2021), oldest son, Douglas (2016), and her brothers, Anthony, Edward, and Arthur.

She and Alvin joined St. Agnes Catholic Church in 1968 when they moved to Arlington, VA. She was an active member of the Arts & Crafts group at the church, and made and sold many beautiful quilts and afghans to raise money for the church. She lived her Catholic faith daily - she was humble; she lived her life simply; and she was charitable. Leona was a kind and generous lady, who always made everyone feel comfortable around her. She loved her family, her home, gardening and watching the flowers bloom each spring, and chatting with her neighbors.

A viewing will be held at Murphy Funeral Home on December 3, 2022 at 10:00 am (4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203); followed by a Catholic Mass at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington,

VA at 1:00 pm (see address below), and a celebration of life luncheon at Essy’s Carriage House (4030 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207) afterwards (free parking behind restaurant).

She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, along with her husband, who ironically called her to be with him on Veteran’s Day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in tribute may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1914 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22207-3046.