Obituary of Leonilla Sheils-Christopherson

Lee was born December 20, 1911 to Edward C. and Anna (Peshek) Schreiber in Wagner, SD.  She attended and graduated high school in Wagner in 1929.  She then went to Chicago, IL to attend American School of Nursing for 1 year and met and married Joseph (Joe) Sheils November 5, 1934.  While Joe was in the Army, Lee and their 2 children moved back to Wagner, SD where she worked at NW Bell telephone as an operator. Joe then joined them and they moved to Pickstown, SD and eventually ran a grocery store there and enjoyed the area so much, especially boating. After Joe's death in 1961, she then moved to Yankton in 1963 and clerked at Rexall Drugstore until retiring in her 80's.

Lee enjoyed being a member of VFW Auxillary and Merry Menders, SHH Auxillary, Benedictine Oblates, and Senior Citizens Center.  She enjoyed crafts and playing cards.  On December 20, 1977 she married Tollof (Chris) Christopherson.  Together they enjoyed traveling and especially dancing until his death in 1990.

Lee’s memory is cherished by her son, Bruce Sheils of Clinton, AK; daughter, Joann (Jo) Sheils-Sejnoha of Yankton, SD; grandchildren: Katrina (Troy) Williams, Kelly (Tom) Munson, Dawn (Richard) List, Dina Anderson and Danielle Sejnoha; 6 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

Lee was preceded in death by her 4 brothers and sisters-in-law: Neal (Mary), Richard (Agnes), George (Mildred), and Robert (Marge); son-in-law, Ron Sejnoha; daughter-in-law, Annetta Sheils and grandson, Kenan Sheils.