Leona Schiwal

Funeral Mass for Leona Schiwal, 95, of Dickinson, formerly of Lefor, will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Lefor, ND with Father Dennis Schafer celebrating. Viewing will take place one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth's Cemetery.

Visitation for Leona will be 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home Dickinson, with rosary and vigil taking place at 6:00 pm.

Leona passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026 at St. Luke's Nursing Home.

Leona was born in Hettinger County, ND, on February 21, 1931, to Nick and Rose (Lampl) Schneider. She attended Lefor Elementary School through the 8th grade and graduated from Lefor High School in 1949. She attended Dickinson State College and taught rural school in Aurora School District for three years. On November 18, 1952, Leona married Paul Schiwal at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Lefor. They were blessed with six children, and farmed and ranched on the Schneider homestead east of Lefor. Their family was chosen North Dakota Catholic Family of the Year in 1984. At St. Elizabeth's Church, Leona was a choir member and held several offices in the Christian Mothers' society. Leona was a member of the Six-Plus-Six Homemakers' Club, taught CCD, and was a substitute cook for the Hot Lunch Program.

Leona enjoyed quilting, reading, baking, playing cards and spending time with her family. Her faith and praying the Rosary were important to her. She and Paul moved to Dickinson in February, 2003. Leona resided at Park Avenue Villa (PAV) for 23 years and then St. Luke's Nursing Home until her death. She was grateful for her many friends at PAV, and all her caregivers.

Leona is survived by her five daughters, Debbie (Lynn) Cherney, Nancy Schiwal, Pam Schiwal, and Peggy Schiwal, all of Dickinson, and Patti (Ken) Goroski of Wibaux, MT; three grandchildren, Shawn Cherney, Mandan; Kaitlyn (Justin) Maus, Golva; and Kylee Goroski, Dickinson; and three great-grandchildren, Delaney, Beau and Tel Maus. Also, sister-in-law, Joanne Todd, Omaha, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul on April 29, 2017; son, Randy; brother, Henry; sister, Evelyn Krauter, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Badlands Right to Life, PO Box 445, Dickinson, ND, 58602 or a charity of your choice in Leona's name.