Leone Emma Van Schyndel

Leone Beckman went to her Lord peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 23rd being 87 years old at the time of her passing. She had been married to her husband, Richard Van Schyndel for 66 years. She was the second youngest of eight children born to Herman and Augusta Beckman. Leone was born on March 1st, 1920 in Bridgewater, S.D. Because her parents spoke only German, no English was spoken at home until Leone and her siblings attended public schools. Leone and her older sister Linda climbed fences and snow banks as they walked several miles to attend school in Canastota, S.D., a German Mennonite community (near Sioux Falls). Leone grew up in rural South Dakota during the depression and "dust bowl" years and attended public schools through her sophomore year in Dolton, S.D. Her family relocated to Floodwood, MN., and Leone insisted that she and her sister Linda be allowed to complete high school, even though at that time it was rare to get schooling beyond 8th grade. This was an early indicator of the grit and determination that was displayed in many ways throughout her life. Leone graduated from Floodwood High School in June, 1938 and worked for a local doctor helping care for her mother who had suffered a stroke. Leone fell in love with a tall Dutchman and was married to Dick Van Schyndel at the Elmer Town Hall in Elmer, MN. on June 8th, 1941. Leone and Dick were longtime partners in marriage and in the grocery business. Dick had learned the trade working in his uncle"s store in Platte S.D. They started a grocery business in Meadowlands, MN. In 1941 and later a larger similar business in Bovey, MN. in 1960. Leone spent 30 years actively involved in these businesses while raising two children, C. Richard and Faye Donna. Somehow she spent long hours at the store, maintained a spotless home, and nurtured a husband and two children and made it all look easy! They sold their business and home in 1970 and moved West. After spending time in Redding and Dunsmuir, CA., and Grants Pass, OR., they arrived at a motel in Medford, OR. A local took Dick fishing in a mountain lake with great success. They were "hooked". Soon they had a home constructed and had a wonderful retirement with active involvement with First Baptist Church friends and their gracious neighbors, Jack and Jean Robinson. Leone and Dick worked for several years at a local Safeway store in Medford. In retirement, they worked seasonally for Harry and David"s, a noted fresh fruit and rose business in Medford. Leone and Dick spent many a summer camping in their trailer and fishing at Diamond Lake in the high mountains of Oregon. In 2005 they relocated to Mesa, AZ. to enjoy the warm dry weather and be close to their daughter Faye and her family. Leone is remembered by her family as a loving spouse and mother. She never had a bad word for anyone, always choosing to put a positive cast on every situation. She was an encourager and believed in the saying that "if you have nothing good to say, remain silent". However, she was a loving "force" within her immediate family and will be greatly missed but we know she is enjoying her "new body" in the arms of the Lord. She is survived by her husband Dick Van Schyndel, sisters Linda Van Schyndel and Cecilia Beckman, children Richard Van Schyndel and Faye Johnson, five grandchildren and a great grandson. A memorial service will be held at Falconer Funeral Home 251 W. Juniper Ave., Gilbert AZ. on November 3, 2007.