Watch Idonna's Celebration of Life Service

Idonna H. Hoidahl, age 81, of Pleasanton, CA, formerly Winger, MN, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2021, with her children and granddaughter by her side.

Idonna was born on June 17, 1939, in Winger, MN, the daughter of Simon and Palma (Grambo) Hoidahl. She lived on a farm just outside of Winger until 1946, when her family moved into town and opened the Hoidahl Variety Store. While her mother ran the business, her father worked as an engineer at the Land O' Lake's plant nearby. Idonna had two sisters, Shirlee and Pam, which all three would claim to be best friends first and then sisters.

Idonna attended school at Winger Elementary and then on to Win-Mac High School in Macintosh, MN. While growing up, she loved playing the piano, paper dolls, riding her bike and helping her mother at the store. In high school, Idonna was very outgoing – attending sporting events and joining the chorus. She also became the Editor of the school paper, as her passion for writing was just starting to emerge. In 1957, Idonna graduated high school with honors. Following graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, MN, and worked at Northwestern Bank. Wanting more, she enrolled at Bemidji State College and began attending in the fall of 1958. Majoring in Journalism, Idonna soon found herself enveloped in her writings and dreaming of the world she had yet to explore. During the summer break of 1959, she decided to take a summer job in Northern California upon the urging of Orlin Leines, who had just moved there after completing his tour in the Marines. While in California, Orlin and Idonna began dating and were soon married on August 8, 1959 in Reno, NV. They settled in Fremont, CA (Bay Area) and were married for 17 years. Together, they had four children: Todd, Stacy, Tammy, and Tiffany.

In 1976, Idonna enrolled at a California College and resumed her education. While attending school, she worked as a receptionist in a medical practice, soon becoming the office manager. As a natural leader, Idonna flourished and became well respected in the medical community. In 1997, the opportunity to branch out and own her own business presented and CMI Medical was formed. As her business grew, employing 17 people and managing 27 physician groups, Idonna began to travel the world. The Hawaiian Islands were one of her favorite places to travel for the beaches and perfect climate, but it was her trip to Norway in 2006 that was the most rewarding. Here she met up with far away relatives, stayed at her grandparent's farm and traveled through the Fjords.

At the age of 66, Idonna decided to retire and began to volunteer at her church fulltime. She joined the Celebrate Recovery Group and began mentoring those in need. Over the next ten years, Idonna mentored over 50 individuals and eventually became the leader of the group. This gave her such a sense of fulfillment and added enrichment to her life. Idonna's strong beliefs were evident throughout her life. Her faith was everlasting, and she always knew that the grace of God was always present. As her parents did, Idonna made sure that her children and grandchildren were raised in a Christian home. Family and traditions were the most important thing. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and best friend to all that knew her. Idonna's smile, bright blue eyes and spirit will be missed always, but there is comfort knowing that she is now with God.

Idonna is survived by her son, Todd Leines of San Leandro, CA; her daughters: Stacy O'Connor of Palmyra, PA, Tammy Pricer of Pleasanton, CA, and Tiffany Leines of Fremont, CA; two sons-in-law, Pat O'Connor of Palmyra, and Steve Pricer of Pleasanton; daughter-in-law, Puanani Leines of San Leandro; four grandchildren: Chad O'Connor, Megan O'Connor, Christian Pricer and Tyler O'Connor; and loving sister, Pam Wang of Winger.

She was preceded in death by her father; mother; and sister, Shirlee.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger, MN. A Time of Gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held at Winger City Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Pam Wang residence.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, CDC guidelines will be practiced.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.