Leora Gilreath, 97

Winnebago – Leora Gilreath passed away at her home during the late afternoon of Nov. 28, 2022. Leora was 30 plus days short of her 98th birthday. Leora was born on Jan. 5, 1925 to Fred and Ida (Kollos) Timmerman, of St. Clair.

At age six, Leora and her family, father Fred, mother Ida, and older sister Aris, moved from their farm in St. Clair to Winnebago, in 1932. Leora and her family were instrumental in establishing and supporting the Lutheran Church of Our Savior located in Winnebago. Over the years Leora performed various church duties such as: Altar Guild Representative, Teacher, and Church Secretary. Due to her length of service to Our Savior, she became the unofficial historian of Our Savior.

Leora graduated from Winnebago High School in 1942. Leora graduated from Mankato Commercial College in 1943. Leora worked as a legal secretary for a short while in Winnebago before going to work for Minnegasco in Winnebago until she retired.

Leora married Delmar (Bub) Gilreath on Sept. 11, 1944 while Bub was on leave from the Navy during WWII.

Leora is survived by sons: Randy (Bonnie) Gilreath and Rick Gilreath; grandchildren: Jennifer and Michelle (Randy and Bonnie); great-grandchildren: Jake (Jennifer), Payton and Mitchell (Michelle). Leora is also survived by the following wonderful nieces and nephews: Terry Crawford, Ann Schoen (Robert), Mark Crawford (Cindy), Nancy Zendner, Kevin Crawford (Linda), and Lisa Anderson (David), Elaine Oliver (Denny), and Karen Ingebritson (Wayne).

Leora was preceded in death by her husband Bub.

Leora lived a full beautiful life. Leora passed away but positive memories of her will last forever. The visitation and Church Service was held at Our Savior Lutheran Church of Winnebago on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. Visitation was open at 10:30 a.m. The funeral service followed at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon after the service. The burial was conducted after the luncheon at the Riverside Cemetery outside of Winnebago.