Leona Jean Krogmann, aged 94, passed away on May 13, 2025, at The Neighborhoods, Brookings, SD. She was born on July 8, 1930, to Herman and Clara (Mehlum) Selland and joined the Selland family as child No. 8 — hence her nickname “Babe.”
Leona was raised in the Nunda, SD area. She was baptized and confirmed at Prairie Queen Lutheran Church in Nunda. Leona received her early education in Country Schools and graduated from Rutland High School as Valedictorian in 1948. She attended and graduated from Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls and worked as a stenographer/bookkeeper in Sioux Falls.
Leona worked at various bookkeeping jobs in and around the Brookings area. She met her future husband, Dean Krogmann at the Lake Campbell Roller Skating Rink and married him on November 28, 1954. Together they raised their two sons, Wayne and Randy. Later they moved to the big farmhouse in rural Arlington where they began a farming/cattle operation and Leona took over as a homemaker, chief cook and bottle washer, bookkeeper for the farm, and did all the mowing duties for the farm.
In 2008 they moved to Brookings to retire and enjoy life. Leona continued with her flower beds and was always ready to welcome company for coffee and cookies.
A devout woman of faith, Leona was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD, and Badger Lutheran Church in Badger, SD. Her faith was evident through her active participation in church activities even serving as Church Secretary in Badger.
Of her many interests, she will be remembered fondly for her unending love for her family and friends, her amazing homemade meatballs and scrumptious calico beans casserole – her cooking and baking, countless family dinners and gatherings she hosted, for her generosity in sharing her fern peonies, her love of playing bridge was phenomenal — she so enjoyed playing bridge with her lady friends at Lake Poinsett — and last but not least, her ability to count cards and her memory like no other. She was always ready for a game of cards and a friendly competition.
Leona is survived by her sons, Wayne and Randy, both of Brookings, her sister, Clarice Elverud, of Brookings, sisters-in-law, Donna Houselog and Lavonne Mengenhauser, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Krogmann, parents, Herman and Clara Selland, brothers, Chester Selland, Oswald Selland and Gordon Selland, sisters, Emma Dragseth, Hilda Anderson and Esther Vostad, in-laws, Peter and Dorothy Krogmann, brother-in-law, Darrell Krogmann and sister-in-law, Dola Wulf.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Rude’s Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of Leona.
The Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to The Neighborhoods for the wonderful care given to Leona during her stay there. God bless all of the caregivers for your loving care.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
