Verna Louise Leininger, 84, of Fort Madison, Iowa died Monday, March 25, 2024 at the West Point Care Center, West Point, Iowa. She was born September 4, 1939 in Iowa, a daughter of Walter and Opal (Still) Corsbie.
She earned a scholarship and attended the University of Iowa, where she studied home economics. She was a talented seamstress, and started her career at Interiors Unlimited making custom drapes. She soon began her own business, making custom drapes for other businesses in the area as well. Verna was a wonderful cook. She worked at the Kensington for 10 years becoming affectionately known as the Pie Lady. Verna was an avid gardener, taking great pride in growing and continuing her father’s heirloom tomato line. She enjoyed “saving” plants destined for the compost pile. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
She is survived by five children: Suzanne Boak of Orrville, Ohio; Kathleen (Tom) Holtkamp of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Steven (Mary) Leininger of Sterling, Ohio; Michael (Theresa) Leininger of Seville, Ohio; Lisa (Russ) Holtkamp of West Point, Iowa; two sisters: Judy Johnston of Belton, Missouri; Jane Sugars of Fort Madison, Iowa; eleven grandchildren: Adam Hanzie, Josh (Jill) Hanzie, Lauren Boak (Zach Myers), Jordan (Deidre) Holtkamp, Derek (Karli) Holtkamp, Zach Leininger, Austin (Jordan) Leininger, Justin Leininger (Rilee Koprivec), Jessica (Phil) Cordova, Jacob Holtkamp (Megan Tarmichael) and Nick Holtkamp (Maddy Gooden); six great grandchildren: Lucas and Ava Hanzie, Hayden and Dawson Holtkamp, Flynn and Vivian Holtkamp; brothers-in-law, Frank (Melanie) Leininger of Franklin, Iowa and David (Kathy) Leininger of Wooster, Ohio, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson Joseph Leininger, and one brother-in-law Samuel “Dick” Johnston.
Her family will greet friends from 9:30 - 11:00 am Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where a celebration of her life will follow and begin at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Leininger family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
