Leona Mangels

Leona L. Mangels, 78, of Jackson passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 2, 1927, in Altenburg, Mo., daughter of Martin and Clara Weslo Hecht. She and Gilbert E. Mangels were married Nov. 20, 1948. He passed away Feb. 5, 1969.

Leona was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson since 1948. She had been a 4-H leader, and enjoyed dancing. Caring for her grandchildren was one of her favorite pastimes.

Loving survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Willie Kasten of Uniontown, Mo., Charlotte and Clyde Kasten of Jackson; three sons and daughters-in-law, Earl and Patty Mangels of Bunceton, Mo., Mike and Kim Mangels of Millersville, Tim and Wanda Mangels of Jackson; four brothers, Raymond Hecht of Shawneetown, Milton and Elmer Hecht of Altenburg, Richard Hecht of St. Charles, Mo.; and a sister, Florence Gruenwald of Altenburg.

Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

The funeral will be Thursday, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.