Leona Mae Vanberg was born on August 26, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the daughter of Guy and Lila (Ward) Thurlow. She grew up in Milwaukee and after leaving school she went to Chicago to study to be part of the Salvation Army. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Larson and to this union one daughter was born. They made their home in Red Wing, Minnesota where she worked for the Salvation Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant. She played coronet in the Salvation Army Band and was always pleased that she also played for the first Billy Graham Crusade in Milwaukee. During her time in Red Wing she also worked at the Red Wing Shoe Factory. On May 26, 1968 she was united in marriage to Wilbur Vanberg. In 1973 they moved to rural Amery, Wisconsin and built their own home. She worked for Electrocraft after moving to Amery. Leona enjoyed many different things in the outdoors such as boating, fishing, and swimming. She enjoyed time relaxing with a good book and was an accomplished painter doing ceramics and other painted items. She also spent time doing embroidery work. After Wilbur died she remained in her home in rural Amery. Leona died at the Amery Regional Medical Center in Amery on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 after complications with respiratory health issues. She was 88 years of age.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wilbur Vanberg, brothers: Gus, Archie and Otto; sisters: Bea and Lorraine. Left to mourn are her daughter: Geri Quirin; sons: Kenneth Vanberg (Michelle), Mike, Scott (Denese) Vanberg, and Steven (Sherry) Vanberg; 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; brother Donald Thurlow as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. There will be a time of visitation for the hour before the service. Burial will be at the Amery Cemetery.