Lena Dora Killion

Lena Dora Killion, the daughter of John and Mary (Nieman) Schorsch, was born September 4, 1927, in Bentley, IA. Lena died August 13, 2026, at her home west of Oakland, IA, at the age of 98 years, 11 months, and 9 days.

Lena grew up on her family’s farm on the edge of Bentley. She attended Bentley School until 10th grade and then graduated from Underwood High School with the class of 1945. After graduation, she began working as a secretary for Father Flanagan at Boy’s Town in Omaha. On February 2, 1947, she was united in marriage to Richard Dean Killion in Council Bluffs, IA. They lived on the Killion family farm, where they raised their family. Richard died May 25, 2002. Lena continued to maintain her home on the farm until the time of her death.

Lena was a lifetime member of the Oakland Christian Church. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, fishing, and rock collecting. She liked to travel and enjoyed her Otter Tail fish vacations and her time in Okoboji. Lena especially loved spending time with her family and doting on her grandchildren.

Lena is preceded in death by her husband Richard; her daughters, Linda Killion Hartje and Jeannine Killion Orris; her son-in-law James Hartje; her parents; her sisters Martha Case and Betty Evans; and her brothers Carl Schorsch and William “Bill” Schorsch.

She is survived by her sons, Dean Killion and wife Kim of Mahomet, IL, and Rick Killion and wife Jill of Council Bluffs, IA; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; her sister Jacqueline Schorsch Minikus and husband Danny of Pisgah, IA; and her sister-in-law Pauline Schorsch. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are suggested to the Oakland Christian Church or the Jennie Edmundson Foundation.

Services are pending.