MENDOTA – Leota E. Joerger, 111, of Mendota, passed away peacefully May 2, 2024, at Allure of Mendota.

Per Leota’s request, Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Catholic Church will be family only. Rev. Peter Pilon will officiate, and burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Leota was born Jan. 17, 1913, in rural Bureau County, to Guy and Bessie (Maloy) Etheridge. She married Rufus Joerger on Aug. 20, 1929, in St. Bernard, Neb., where they made their home for six years before moving to Mendota.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Lorraine Etheridge of Mendota; grandchildren, Dave Kain, Gary (Nicholas) Holmes, Sandy Eich, Cindy (Bill) Engels, Rick Joerger, Dick (Laurie) Joerger; great-grandchildren, Jaclyn Kain, Rufus Holmes, Julia Holmes, Christopher (Jessica) Eich, Joseph Eich, Jason (Dawn) Engels, Jennifer (Brian) Jones, Zachary (Kelli) Joerger, Joshua (Alex) Joerger, Monica Joerger; 12 great-great-grandchildren and four great-great-great-grandchildren

Leota is preceded in death by her parents; husband; son and daughter-in-law, Rufus and Irma Joerger; great-granddaughter, Nicole Hendricks; brother, Guy Etheridge; and three sisters, Marguerite Burlingame, Hester Anderson and Bernice Eich.

Leota was a devout member of Holy Cross Church and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Before nursing home care was available, Leota housed five elderly ladies in her home, earning $68 a month for each. At 100, Leota went into the nursing home after being cared for by her daughter, Lorraine for 14 years.

Pallbearers will be Bill Engels, Dick Joerger, Rick Joerger, David Kain and Gary Holmes.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice and condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.