Iona Albright

Iona M. Albright, age 88 formerly of Litchfield, MN died at her home in Northfield, MN on Thursday April 24, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 2, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield.

Iona Marilyn Albright, the daughter of Raymond O. and Ethel Nelson was born on October 22, 1936 in Litchfield, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grove City, MN. She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1954. After graduation, she worked at the Litchfield Clinic, and First State Bank in Litchfield. Iona was united in marriage to William DeWayne Albright on April 6th, 1956 at First Lutheran Church in Grove City. They were blessed with four children, Nancy, Bonnie, Angela, and Ryan. They raised their family and built their life together on their family farm in Litchfield.

Iona was a member of First Lutheran Church in Litchfield and was active in many church activities including WELCA, First Stringers, and quilting. She was also an active volunteer in the community, serving on the Hospital board, working at the ECUMEN gift shop, and organizing blood drives for the American Red Cross for many years. She enjoyed sewing and gardening and hosting family gatherings. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and friends.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Russ) Sowers of Parkers Prairie, Bonnie (Mark) Johnson of Northfield, Angela (Jeff) Newton of Oronoco, and Ryan (Allison) Albright of Northfield; grandchildren, Jared (Caroline) Sowers, Shelby Sowers, Andrew Johnson, Evan Johnson, Justin (Nikki) Newton, Alison (Alex) Kendall, Nicholas Albright, and Grace Albright; sister, Luanne Bachman of St. Louis Park; sister-in-law, Virginia Miller of Bayport; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Iona was preceded in death by her husband DeWayne; parents, Raymond O. and Ethel Nelson; father-in-law and mother-in-law DeWitt and Mae Albright; sister, Lorna Erickson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Clarence Erickson, Charles Bachman, Clara Mae and Robert Ross, Reginald Miller, Lloyd Rick, June Rick Wittenberg, and Walt Wittenberg.