Leonarda Josephine Riske

Leonarda (Lee) Josephine Riske, age 87 of Long Beach, California passed away at home on May 30, 2015, surrounded by her husband and children. Lee was born on July 4, 1927, the first child of Joseph and Dominika Kiedrowski, and grew up in Warsaw, North Dakota, where she helped her parents raise 9 additional children. Lee attended Saint Anthony's convent school through 8th grade and then graduated high school from St. James Academy, Grand Forks. She continued her education toward a teaching credential at Mayville State Teachers College. Her first teaching job was at a country school in Walsh County, N. D., where she taught 1st through 8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse. Steven and Lee started their family in Grand Forks, N. D., and then moved to California in 1952 with 2 young daughters. Lee then earned an additional certificate in education at Long Beach State College. Steve and Lee had four additional children after they moved to Long Beach. Lee continued her profession by teaching preschool and elementary education for the next 25 years. She helped support her family while Steve started Angelus Precision Grinding, which is still in existence today, after 50 years of continued hard work. Lee's volunteer activities included assisting hospice patients, teaching CCD, and working at election polls. She enjoyed camping, gardening, swimming, music, polka dancing, attending bible study, and reading to her children and grandchildren. Lee has been an inspiration to many and will be remembered for her love, kindness, prayers, generosity, cinnamon rolls, and homemade soup. She had an incredible sense of humor and will be missed immensely by all who were touched by her life. When Lee became ill and required homecare, Karen, Joy, and Imelda provided outstanding care for Lee. All three were very compassionate, kind, and caring. They consistently met the needs of Lee for over 5 years. They will always be remembered as part of the family. Leonarda is survived by her children, Mary Riske of Fargo, ND, Donna (Mike) Wade of Santa Rosa, CA, Sandy (Roger) Schuster of Warsaw, ND,, Steve Jr. (Sonia) Riske of Windsor, CA, Terri (Jim) Beckett of Santa Rosa, CA, Laurie (John) Carpenter of Laguna Niguel, CA; 19 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers and 6 sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Dennis. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery.