Obituary of Leona Verniece Kechel

Leona Verniece Kechel, 95, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly of Kellogg, Iowa, passed away peacefully July 15, 2025.

Leona was born on July 2, 1930, in Kellogg, Iowa, to Vernal and Daisy (Wilson) Gregory. A bright and driven student, she graduated as valedictorian of the Kellogg High School Class of 1948 and was honored as Miss Jasper County that same year. She went on to study at Drake University in Des Moines.

In 1951, Leona married Daniel C. Kechel in her hometown of Kellogg. Together they raised three sons—David, Stephen, and Mark—and built a life marked by love, family, and adventure. She worked for many years as an office manager for a dental practice, where her grace, warmth, and organization were deeply appreciated.

Leona loved traveling, painting, and playing piano for a gospel quartet. She loved flowers. Her creativity and joyful spirit touched many as she was a minister’s wife for many years. She was also a proud member of the P.E.O. International Sisterhood, finding purpose and connection in its mission of supporting women’s education.

Over the years, Leona made her home in many places, including Kellogg, Maxwell, and Albia in Iowa; and South Bend, Kokomo, and Fort Wayne in Indiana; as well as Portland, Oregon.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, David P. Kechel (Natilee) and Stephen G. Kechulius (Carol); her daughter-in-law, Diane Kechel; her brothers, Paul and Dean Gregory (Gloria); two grandchildren, Brian Kechel (Lindsay) and Jenifer Kechulius (Kyle Bender); and two great-grandchildren, Logan and William Kechel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Daniel, her son Mark Kechel, and her brother Ernest Gregory.

A funeral service will be held at Pence-Reese FuneralHome in Newton on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Our Silent Cemetery in Kellogg, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Leona’s honor

Leona will be remembered for her kindness, elegance, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.