Mattie "Leona" Johansen Jessen

Mattie “Leona” (Boies) Johansen Jessen, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2013 at the age of 88 years, 5 months and 20 days. Leona or Grandma as she was known to many, was a resident of Lancaster Manor in Lincoln, NE and most recently Saunders County Long Term Care Center in Wahoo, NE where she was loved and cared for to the time of her death.

Leona was born October 24, 1924 in Plainview, NE to Ray and Susie (Otto) Boies. Leona married Vernon Johansen on Oct 13, 1946 at Bethany Lutheran Church rural Plainview. Vernon passed away on September 26, 1961. She married Harry Jessen on December 30, 1966.

Leona lived in Plainview most of her life. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband Harry Jessen of Plainview, daughters Sandi (Everett) Anderson and Sally Hoefer of Omaha, 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 4 step children and 9 step grandchildren, sisters Phyllis Steinkraus of Wausa, Norma Jean (Don) White of Plainview, nieces and nephews.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Johansen, parents Ray & Susie Boies, Son-in-laws Alvin Hoefer and Bill Ruth and 2 brothers-in-law, Larry Larsen and Wendell Steinkraus.


Visitation will be at Ashburn Funeral Home in Plainview, NE Tuesday, April 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with funeral services on Wednesday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Plainview and burial at the Danish Cemetery rural Plainview.