Leona E. Synstegard

Leona Evelyn Synstegard, 70, Dubuque, IA, died on Sunday, May 6, 2007 in Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, IA.Leona was born on March 20, 1937 in Park River, North Dakota, to Rev. Leonard and Naomi Gunness Nypen. Leona attended schools in Dalton, Fergus Falls and Comstock, Minnesota, and graduated from high school at Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Fargo, North Dakota. She received her BA degree in music education from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, an MA degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado and an MA degree in educational psychology from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.Leona taught vocal music in Grand Forks, North Dakota, North Branch, Minnesota, West Carrolton and Miamisburg, Ohio, in both Catholic and public schools. She taught high school special education in Wichita, Kansas and at Hemstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa.She sang in the Concordia College choir, as well as numerous community and church choirs, and was church organist for many years. She was an officer and volunteer for the fraternal branch of Lutheran Brotherhood for over ten years in Wichita, Kansas.Leona is survived by one brother, Burton Gerry Nypen of Ortonville, Minnesota; three children: Nadine Keith Wilson of Kirkland, Washington, Naomi VonHollen of Dubuque, Iowa, David Mondai Synstegard of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren; one nephew and two nieces. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lord Of Life Lutheran Church, Dubuque, Iowa or Oaks Indian Mission, Oaks, Oklahoma. Special thank's for the care and kindness to Dr. Schultheis, Dr. Nachtman, and the staff at Medical Associates Clinic and Mercy Hospital.