Leona Von Seggern

Leona led a very full and busy life -- working since she was fourteen, caring for her family, and being married to the love of her life, Alvin A. von Seggern, for sixty-eight years, whom she married on July 24, 1947.

Leona was born in Verdigre, NE on June 9, 1928, to Albert & Judith (Konoposok) Block, both of whom preceded her in death.

Family was very important to Leona. In addition to her three children: Alvin A (Teri) von Seggern II of Farley, MO, Vicki (Charlie) Wendt of KCK, & Colleen Walker of NKC, MO, she also cared for fourteen foster children. She loved and enjoyed her ten grandchildren: Seth, Cory, Sarah, & Daniel von Seggern; Kristina (David) Scott, Charlie Jr & Max (Tiffany) Wendt; Kristina, Lauren, & Michael Niemeyer; and her great-granddaughter, Paytin (Max’s), whom she adored. Leona was very close to her brothers: Walter “Toby” (Peggy) Block of Kansas City, KS, and Gordon (Susie) Block, of Omaha, NE, & sisters Laura (Jack) Smoot of Kansas City, KS, Joann Block of Independence, MO, and Sharon Munkirs of Maysville, MO, and, her many nieces & nephews, with a special bond and love for her nieces Debbie McGhee and Joyce Rice, and her two youngest great-great nieces. And, she loved all of her dogs, especially Sneakers who just passed in September, 2015. Without a doubt, they are together again in their Heavenly Home.

Leona’s life was one filled with acts of generosity. She was always willing to help in whatever way she could – from babysitting loved ones to helping to restore homes for friends and family members. There are too many acts of generosity to list, but each person knows and appreciates how Leona helped him or her.

Her long-time dream of becoming an entrepreneur was realized in 1994 when she opened her business, The Antique Store, in Lowry City, MO, and operated it for almost ten years. Previously she had worked at Winstead’s on the Plaza (1950’s), Save-On Grocery Store (KCK), Tinkled Pink Cleaners (KCK), and Wool-Co (KCK), and more.

She was born in Nebraska, where she still has many relatives, which she remained in contact. Before establishing her final home in Independence, MO, she also lived in Colorado Springs CO, Blue Springs MO, Kansas City MO, Independence MO, Kansas City KS, and Lowry City MO. It delighted her family to have her back in town these past four years.

In between her many endeavors she enjoyed several personal hobbies. She was an avid reader, she loved her biographies. She was a master seamstress and created many beautiful articles of clothing for her family, her friends, and for herself. Her and her husband’s matching Square Dancing outfits were among her favorite creations. She loved to Square Dance and began with the Flutter Wheels’ Square Dancing Group (KCKs). She also had a passion for collecting dolls and shared that love with her daughter and her great-granddaughter.

And she loved ‘her’ shows: The Reba McEntire Show, The Antiques Roadshow, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Leona was a previous member of Grace Lutheran Church (KCKs), and Bethel Lutheran Church (KCKs).
Surviving Leona is her loving husband, Alvin, of the home; her sisters: Joann and Sharon; her three children: Alvin II, Vicki (Pat), and Colleen; her ten grandchildren, and her great-granddaughter; and her extended family of nieces & nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and cousins. Preceding her in death are: her twin brother, who died in infancy, her parents, Albert & Judy Block, her step-father, Theodore “Ted” Clark, her brothers, Walter “Toby” Block and his wife Peggy, and Gordon Block and his wife Susie, and her sister, Laura Smoot and her husband Jack. With a certainty, mom is once again with them and Uncle Toby has them all laughing. You all are missed.