Leona Rozella Hoyka

Leona Rozella Hoyka, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Fountain West Health Center.

Leona was born September 19, 1920 in Dallas County, Iowa to Robert and Josephine (Sanders) Kail. She married Marion Hoyka and began her career as a “homemaker with no paycheck.” Though she said that in a joking manner, taking care of her children was a job she cherished and continued on with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leona always knew how blessed she was to have such a kind and loving family.

Leona was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines and attended St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee in her later years. She and Marion owned and operated The Bulldog Pizza Villa, A1 Pizza Shop, and Joe’s Pizza at different times in the Des Moines area.

Leona is survived by her children, Joseph “Lefty” Hoyka, Diane (Les) Santee, Debbie (Jim) Valentino, Pam Barnes, and Dan (Patina) Hoyka; 13 grandchildren; 23 + 1 great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Josephine Kail; husband, Marion Hoyka; daughter, Linda Lewis; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; grandson, Frank Santee; and granddaughter, Tammy Zenti.

Family will greet friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 prior to the funeral service at 12 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Interment will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Orilla, Iowa.

The family respectfully requests the wearing of masks and social distancing during this difficult time.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a hospice organization of the donor’s choice in loving memory of Leona. Condolences may also be expressed online.

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