Lenora A. Ubel

A Mass of Christian Burial for Lenora Ubel of Williams, MN will be held Monday, July 27th at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baudette.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-7 PM with a 7:00 prayer service at the church.  Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Williams.  Lenora passed away on July 20th at the LakeWood Health Center at the age of 91.

Lenora Ubel passed away peacefully with family at her side in the early morning hours of Monday, July 20, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

            Lenora was the first born of Alfred and Emma (Heauser) Muggli’s six children. She was born July 27, 1923, in a log home near Graceton, Minnesota. She attended the first through eighth grades at the Muggli and Pitt Schools, after which she helped at home and worked for several of the neighbors. These jobs marked the beginning of her cooking and baking skills.  

            Lenora and George Ubel were married on September 8, 1943, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baudette. They lived on a farm North of Williams and it was there that their seven children were born and raised – Bernice Piechowski of Browns Valley, MN; Arlene (Tom) Billberg of Roseau; Rita (Roger) Krause: Joan (Gary) Aery; and Lorene Hanson all of Baudette; David Ubel and Dennis (Tabitha) Ubel of Williams. Lenora lived on the farm until 10 years ago when daughters Rita and Lorene began sharing their homes with her.

            Lenora was no ordinary lady. To say she lived a full interesting life would be an understatement. Lenora’s love for her family was first and foremost. But she also found time (along with George) to host many exchange students over the years, as well as an uncle and some nephews, nuns who were teaching Bible School and many hunting parties which went on for 50 years. Lenora treated all these people as though they were family and they became like family.

            Along with the hard work that comes with farming and raising a large family, Lenora and George found time for fun. They loved square dancing and made the rounds in the area. They enjoyed traveling around the country with three other couples, plus partaking of many bus tours.

            Lenora loved music and she played piano and accordion for many years. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Church Guild. She was coordinator of the church fall supper for many years. She was a member of the Town and Country Homemakers and Williams Gardeners.

            Lenora was well known at the Lake of the Woods County Fair where she exhibited for more than 80 years! Gardening, baking and sewing were her hobbies and she entered many exhibits at the fair, earning many blue ribbons. She was a 4-H leader for more than 50 years and was known for the rhubarb-raisin pie she baked for the fair.

            Lenora embroidered countless dish towels and gave to all of her grandchildren. They have also received a handmade quilo from her.

            During the last 10 years when Rita and Lorene were sharing their mom, she started making crosses and became known as the “cross lady”.  Her crosses have made their way worldwide and is her legacy.

 Lenora loved playing cards and would challenge anyone for a game of whist or Kings Corner. Lenora enjoyed music, especially polka music, and she played piano and accordion for many years.

            Lenora will be missed by her 7 children and spouses, 27 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, many more relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband George of 60 years in 2003, her parents Alfred and Emma Muggli, sisters Rosemary Jasken Blazer, Victoria Gohman, Emma Katherine (infant); twins Delphine Sindelir and Clarence Muggli; son-in-law Blair Piechowski.

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