Christina Maria (Godt) Leischner

Christina Maria Leischner, 77, of Tipton, passed away peacefully in the early morning of October 14, 2024 with her beloved husband by her side.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton, IA.  A Celebration of Life/Memorial Mass will follow at 10:30 AM, at the same location.  The family will gather for a luncheon at St. Mary’s Parish Hall before traveling to Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.  There, Christina’s ashes will be interred in a columbarium, awaiting the day she will be reunited with her loving husband and veteran Roy.  In honor of Christina’s wishes, please donate all memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Christina was born on July 27, 1947, the daughter of Vernon H. and Mary Lou (Mueller) Godt, in St. Louis, MO. She was a diligent student and attended Santa Ana Community College in Santa Ana, CA, where she took archaeology classes. Christina married the love of her life, Roy Leo Leischner, on October 1, 1966, in Santa Ana, CA. She was a proud Catholic and converted Roy from Protestantism to Catholicism. Christina and Roy had two boys, Michael and John.

Roy was away for many years serving in the military, so Christina was a full-time homemaker and caregiver to her two children. Tragically, Michael passed away at a young age from a brain tumor, and his loss broke her heart and spirit. Roy came home to support his brave, strong wife, standing by her side through the loss. Together, they moved as a family of three for a fresh start, which sparked a renewed spirit in Christina.

Christina only worked two jobs outside of the home for a brief period, once for Sears and another time as a teacher’s assistant in Oregon. She prioritized her family and ran her household with strict and lofty expectations. Her son, John, knew his mother was a woman to be respected, as he would receive the appropriate scolding if he disobeyed. Christina wasn’t a big talker, but she meant business when she spoke. She had a firm faith and put in extra work to ensure John could be enrolled in a private Christian school. She loved her husband and son, and they, in turn, loved and respected her as well.

Christina loved to read. Leading a social life wasn’t a priority for her, so having quiet time to read multiple books each week brought her joy. She was a wonderful cook and loved candy, especially if chocolate was involved. Christina also enjoyed classical music and had a large collection of pig figurines, soft toys, art, and crafts—she loved collecting pigs.

Christina was strong, independent, and spoke her mind, but she was also a big softie with a sensitive and loving heart. During her final days, Christina was able to speak with her grandchildren and see her son, John, and his wife, Michelle. Roy was with her until the end. Before her passing, Christina told Roy and the hospital staff she wanted to go home. When they started to explain that she had to stay at the hospital, she stopped them and said, “Not my home. God’s house. I want to go be with God.” She knew where she was going, and she left this life with her wishes fulfilled and peace in her heart.

Christina is survived by her loving husband, Roy, her son, John (Michelle) Leischner, and her two grandchildren, Sydney and Ryan. Christina has been reunited with her son, Michael, and her parents.