Leonora Sundin • 1915- 2011

Leonora Sundin, 95, Kenmare, formerly of Coteau, ND, died Friday, July 29, 2011 in the Kenmare Community Hospital home.

Her memorial service will take place Friday, August 5, 2011 at 2 pm at the Bowbells United Methodist Church, Bowbells. There will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a guest book on Friday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Leonora Julia Sundin was born on November 21, 1915, a daughter of Louis and Natalia (Nystrom) Sundin at their farm home where her father homesteaded Southwest of Coteau, ND. She graduated from Coteau High School in 1932 and attended Minot State Teachers College for two years. Leonora taught for three years in Minnesota Township School, north of Bowbells, one year at Big Springs School southwest of Niobe, three years in Alamo and one year in Valley City, ND. She was also a long term substitute teacher in Minneapolis, MN. Leonora took voice lessons at McPhail Conservatory of Music while living in Minneapolis. 
           
In 1950, Leonora sailed with her parents on the USS Stavangafjord to visit her father’s homeland, Sweden. While there she sang at the church her father was baptized and confirmed in.
           
In 1952, Leonora moved to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue her singing career. There she studied voice and opera with leading teachers and coaches. Leonora appeared in concerts and sang with the L.A. Opera Company and various organizations and churches. She taught in the Colbert Private School and did private tutoring, She also worked in sales for various real estate agencies.
           
In 2004, Leonora moved to Oregon to be closer to relatives. Due to failing health, she came to live at the Baptist Home of Kenmare, ND in 2006. After breaking her hip, she moved into the Kenmare Community Hospital.
           
Leonora was a charter member of the Coteau Evangelical Church. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the California Culture Society. While in CA, she attended the Hollywood Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed giving concerts, singing in churches and for special occasions when in North Dakota, California, Minnesota and Oregon.
           
Leonora is survived by two brothers Lyle Sundin, Washington, PA, and Robert (Faye) Sundin, rural Bowbells, 12 nieces and nephews. Special friends Violet Carlson, Grace Melby, Marilyn O’Conner Davis, Evelyn Lefferdink, Louis Smaldino, and Steve Brucciani.
           
She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Natalia, sister Ruth Ranem, brothers Rueben, Myron, Lawrence, Lloyd, Vernon, and Charles; nephews: Gene Sundin, Don and Ron Ranem, and Timmy Sundin.

Officiant: Rev. Kathy Hammond

Music
Congregational hymn: “It Is Well with My Soul”
Lenny Rodin to sing “How Great Thou Art”
Congregational hymn: “Beyond The Sunset”
Mary Lynn Jensen, organist

Honorary Bearers
Leonora’s nieces and nephews
Bunny (Sundin) Girt, Butch Sundin, Bobbie (Sundin) Stoltz, Brian Sundin, Larry Sundin, Tom Sundin
Nancy (Sundin) Waterman, Kenny Betzler, Shaun Sundin, Lois (Ranem) Betzler, Karin (Ranem) Betzler, Robert P. Sundin,  Maureen (Sundin) Premro

Burial
A private family committal will take place at a later date.

Immediately following the memorial service, everyone is invited to join the family for lunch and fellowship in the fellowship hall of the church.

The Sundin family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Leonora Sundin!

To sign the online guest register for Leonra
To view the onlne guest register for Leonora

To view the inside of Leonra's folder
To view the outside of Leonra's folder

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