Leora Walsh

Leora Walsh, age 94, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at her home in Ortonville.

Funeral services for Leora Walsh will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Congregational Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. A time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at the Ortonville Community Center. Interment will be at the Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Montevideo, MN, directly following the time of fellowship.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Leora Gayl (Hawkey) Walsh was born on October 7, 1929, in Avon, SD, to Lester George and Pearl Anne (Davis) Hawkey. She was born at home on the family farm assisted by a country doctor. Leora was the third of four daughters, all of whom had unique names: Leola, Leona, Leora, and Alyce Carol. Leora attended country school through eighth grade then attended Avon High School in Avon, SD. She graduated in 1947 as the Valedictorian of her class. She attended Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, SD, now a minimum-security prison. One of her college highlights was being chosen Homecoming Queen.

In 1952, Leora married Lawrence Edward Walsh, Sr., a high school teacher originally from Armour, SD. They lived in South Dakota until 1955 when they moved to Maynard, MN. After 23 years they moved to Ortonville, MN. Their marriage was blessed with six children.

Leora taught school for more than 36 years. She taught every grade in elementary school as well as being an elementary principal in Sacred Heart, MN, for 15 years. Her last year of teaching was at the Lismore Hutterite Colony near Clinton, MN. Leora had a deep love, concern, and respect for all the children she had the privilege to teach. After retiring from teaching, she worked as a health aid and activities director at various senior care facilities.

Leora had a strong belief in God which was evident by her unwavering faith and her dedication to her church community. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend who always had a ready smile that helped her see humor and joy in all of God’s creations. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought delight and laughter to her life.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her six children: Lawrence Edward “Ed” Walsh, Jr. of Sioux Falls, SD; Lori (Rod) Johnson of Royalton, MN, Jim (Roda) Walsh of Maynard, MN; Leanne (Brad) Walsh Becker of Sauk Rapids, MN; Robert Walsh of Big Stone City, SD; and Thomas (Raquel) Walsh of Ortonville, MN; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; her two sisters: Leola Jurrens and Alyce Carol Burma; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

Leora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence; her sister, Leona Shea; brothers-in-law: Conley Shea, Lawrence Jurrens, George Burma, Jack Rathbun, Louis Walsh, and Vince Walsh, and sisters-in-law: Jeanne Rathbun, Marcia Wash, and Maureen Walsh.

The family of Leora would like to thank the CentraCare Hospice Team: Amanda, Kallie, Peggy, Debbie, Judi and Andrea. Your tender, patient, and loving care was appreciated and valued so very much. Special thanks also to Pastor Lynn Thomas for your pastoral visits in Leora’s time of need.

Mom, Leora, Grandma, Mrs. Walsh, thank you for being the sunshine to so many throughout your life.