ST. ANSGAR — Leanna Grace Hendrickson, 92, of St. Ansgar, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Osage Hospital.
Leanna was born July 17, 1933, at home in Fontanelle, Iowa, to Floyd E. and Beryl V. Morley. Her early years took her through schools in Boone and Forest City, and she graduated from Forest City High School in 1951.
Education became one of the defining callings of her life. Leanna attended Waldorf College in Forest City, earning an elementary education teaching degree in 1953. Years later, while raising her family, she continued her own education through summer studies at Upper Iowa University in Fayette and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1974.
Leanna spent 38 years in the classroom, teaching children in St. Ansgar, Mitchell and Osage. Her long career touched generations of North Iowa students and reflected a lifetime commitment to learning, patience and service.
Her first teaching job brought her to St. Ansgar, where her life also changed in a personal way. While living in the community, she came to know Don Hendrickson, a local farmer and Army veteran. The couple married June 12, 1955, in Forest City and built a family together.
Leanna and Don were blessed with four children: Joan, Jon, Mark and James. Her life was centered on family, and she especially enjoyed following the activities and sporting events of her children and grandchildren.
Faith and community were also important parts of Leanna’s life. She was active through church and local organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, Stitch and Chat, Bridge Club, the St. Ansgar Heritage and Museum, Mary-Ruth Circle, and youth activities including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
She is survived by her sister, Norma Gullickson; her four children and their families; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 212 N. Main St. in St. Ansgar.
A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar.
Memorials may be directed to South Square St. Ansgar or the St. Ansgar Heritage Museum.
Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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