Leone H. Hudek – age 99, of Pocahontas, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Leone Helen Chapman was born February 8, 1923, to Hattie Cook and Charles B. Chapman in Humboldt, Iowa. She graduated from Rolfe High School in 1940 and attended A.I.B. in Des Moines. She was a secretary to the State Rationing Officer when the OPA came to Iowa. Leone, along with 2 other women was the first to enlist in the Marine Corps (WR) in Iowa. She trained at Hunter College in New York City and served at Marine Headquarters in Washington D.C. Leone was one of 12 marines chosen for an Honor Guard in an all-service women's company to march in the funeral procession for Franklin Roosevelt.

Leone married Paul J. Hudek on May 16, 1946, at Sacred Heart Church in Pocahontas. She was appointed and served as Secretary to the first Pocahontas Park Commission. She served as clerk of the Selective Service System when the draft reopened in 1948 and retired in 1957 to be a stay-at-home mom while continuing to help with the family business, HUDEK PRINTING.

Leone was a member of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, the Ladies Society and the American Legion. She was also a charter and life member of the Pocahontas Hospital Society and a charter member of SS Peter and Paul Historical Society.

Leone was a lifelong Democrat, Hawkeye and Cubs fan. She and Paul held season tickets to the Iowa football games for many years. She and Paul, after retirement, spent 9 years together in Bullhead City, AZ, and she alone for the next 10 years.

Leone belonged to several bridge clubs, a poker club and played a pretty good game of golf from age 12 until 76.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; brothers, Col. Herschel and Evelyn Chapman of Leavenworth, KS and Roger and Dorothy Chapman of Oakley, KS.

She is survived by brother, Keith (Shirley); son, Joe; daughter, Jane (Dave); grandsons, Brandon and Trevor and sister-in-law, Janet Hudek, along with nieces and nephews.