Leona Brandner (age 88) passed away while surrounded by her loving family at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Leona was born November 11, 1926, in Pierz, Minnesota, to Nick and Frances Meyer. She was the 4th of 5 daughters. The family moved to LaPine, Oregon and Leona attended elementary and high school in Oregon, and then received her Nursing degree in Vancouver, Washington. Leona worked as a nurse for many years at Herreid Hospital and Nursing Home after her children were grown. Leona was active in the South Dakota Nursing Association throughout her nursing career. Leona married George Brandner on February 15, 1947, and they moved to Herreid, SD and settled onto the farm and began raising their family. Leona and George had three daughters: Frances (Don Solinsky), Nancy (Dennis Finch), and Kathy Lee Brandner. They were blessed with seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Todd Mitchell), Dean (Ann) Solinsky, Stephanie (Shawn Powers), Rebecca (Jeff Almy), Ann (Cody Thorson), Karen (Curtis Anderson), and Jessica (special friend Juan Badiola). They were also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Jason and Jared Mitchell; Drew, Shay and Dane Solinsky; Kelbie and Carter Powers; Piper and Axl Almy; Tanner and Alexis Thorson; and Molly Anderson. Leona enjoyed cooking, sewing and shopping for her family and never forgot a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or special event. In April 2002, Leona and George moved to Rapid City to be closer to their children and grandchildren. George passed away in December 2002 and Leona lived out her remaining years at Echo Ridge Good Samaritan Retirement Center. Leona was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband George Brandner, and son-in-law Dennis Finch. Leona is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 pm on Thursday, July 16 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A Christian wake service will be at 7:00 pm. A Christian funeral mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid, where Leona was an active member. The Rev. Tom Clement will preside. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Black Hills Works.