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   Leona Wake, 99 years old, from Federal Dam, MN went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

   She became a Christian young in life and her love for Jesus, family and friends showed in the way she lived.

   She had many experiences in her long life. As a teenager in 1943, she was the first female to man a fire tower in Chippewa National Forest watching for smoke to help prevent forest fires. She also worked as a waitress, a helper in Head Start, planted trees and later in life worked as a receptionist for the U.S. Forest Service, all while raising a family and helping with farm chores.

   She loved crocheting, gardening, baking but most of all she loved sewing. She sewed clothes from a satin wedding dress, to bridemaids dresses, to making doll clothes.

   She is preceded in death by her parents Wilfred and Evelyn Barslou, two brothers Delbert (Donna) and Jack (Ann) and three sisters Wilma (John) Daniels, Dorothy (Ernie) Daniels and Betty (Marc) Pantalion. Sister Carole (George) Russell is continuing the family legacy. Also preceded by her husband of 58 years Gerald Wake and two sons Donald and James Wake and great grandson Stephen McGee III. 

   Surviving family: Richard (Kathy) Wake, David (Cynthia) Wake, Joanne (Nordeen) Eckes, Diane (Brent) Johnson, Daughter-in-law Rosalie (Donald) Wake, many Grand, Great and Great Great Grandchildren plus many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

   A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 25th at the Federal Dam Fire Hall from Noon to 2 p.m.

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