Leona E. Hammerbeck

Leona E. Hammerbeck, age 87, of Hibbing passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home. She was born in Hibbing to Frank and Anna (Miller) Traeger on February 12, 1938. Leona graduated from Hibbing High School with the class of 1956, later she attended Hibbing Community College earning her associate’s degree. Leona worked at numerous places throughout her life including the DNR, Cummins Diesel, and St. Louis County. She was a talented crocheter, making countless tablecloths and baby blankets for family and friends. Leona loved to travel the world, and one of her most memorable trips was to Rome and Vatican City. As well as travelling she also enjoyed the great outdoors of Minnesota, camping on Kabetogama, boating, waterskiing and just being outside. Leona is

survived by her significant other, John Sather, Hibbing, MN, children, LeeAnn (Kevin) Thomas, Eagan, MN, Laura (Tim) Carlson, Carver, MN, Lisa (Mike) Hudson, Eden Prairie, MN, Linda (Mark) Sitko, St. Paul, MN, William Hammerbeck Jr., Hibbing, MN, grandchildren, Sophia and Eden Sitko, Jacey Thomas, and Thomas and Luke Hudson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anna, siblings, Wilfred Traeger, Clarice Strgar, Clarence “Skeezix” Traeger, Frank Traeger, Dolores Shimek, and Phillip Traeger. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 noon, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be from 11 am until the beginning of the Mass at church. Inurnment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging in memory of Leona Hammerbeck (Mayo Clinic, ATTN: Department of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, phone 1-800-297-1185).

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.