Lorna Leichsenring, 93, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Thornburg, IA, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab.
Lorna Elvira Leichsenring was born February 25, 1932, in Keswick, Iowa, the daughter of Lauren and Elvira (Price) Looney. She graduated from Thornburg High School (now Tri-County) in 1949. Following graduation, she attended Iowa Business School in Ottumwa, Iowa.
From 1949 to 1957, she was employed at Imperial See Company in Clear Lake, Iowa; Iowa Manufacturing Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Eglin Air Force Armament Center (civil service), Eglin Air Force Base, in Crestview, Florida; County Superintendent of Schools, Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Iowa School of Nursing (administration) University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. From 1957 to 1982, she worked for various life insurance companies in the Midwest.
Lorna was united in marriage to Marvin E. Leichsenring on December 30, 1978, at the Thornburg United Methodist Church. The church where she was baptized and a member. She occasionally served as a soloist for worship services at the church. She and Marvin lived in Amana, Iowa, from 1978 until moving to Mesa, Arizona, in 1993. While in Arizona, they attended the Velda Rose United Methodist Church. In 2013, after Marvin’s death, she moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Oskaloosa to be closer to her sister, Carol Wagner. In 2022, Lorna moved to Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab facility in Oskaloosa.
Lorna enjoyed sewing, home decorating, gardening, and traveling. She often reminisced about her travels and felt very fortunate that she could venture to so many places. She kept detailed records of all her trips, and in later years, as her memory began to fail, she enjoyed reading about the places she and Marvin had traveled. Lorna had such a grateful spirit. Those who cared for her enjoyed helping her because of her constant appreciation for what they were doing for her.
Lorna is survived by a stepdaughter, Marchelle (Arnie) Hawkins, and step-grandchildren: Evan Michael and Aaron Thomas of Arden Hills, Minnesota; and a special friend, Julie Seemann of Oskaloosa.
In addition to her husband, Marvin, Lorna was preceded in death by her sister, Carol, and her brother-in-law, Larry Wagner.
A private burial will take place at Sorden Cemetery, near Webster, in Keokuk County. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with her arrangements.
