Leonarda (Lee) Josephine Riske July 4th, 1927- May 30, 2015 Lee was the first born of Joseph and Dominika Kiedrowski, and grew up in Warsaw, North Dakota, where she helped her parents raise 9 additional children. The family lived above the Kiedrowski store, which served as a hub of activity for farmers, and always had it's doors open for a beer, playing dice and cards. Lee graduated from St. James Academy, Grand Forks, and continued her education toward her teaching credential at Mayville State Teachers College. Her first teaching job was at a country School in Walsh County, N. D. where she taught first through eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse. Steven Riske courted her for three years during high school and college and proposed to her the night a tornado passed through Warsaw on her 20th birthday in 1947. They were married three months later and celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary last October. Steve and Lee started their family in Grand Forks, N. D., and moved to California in 1952 with 2 young daughters. Steve and Lee had four additional children after moving to Long Beach. Lee then earned an additional certificate in education at Long Beach State College. She 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. Lee 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.
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