"Dear Val and Mark, Leah was my very first friend when I was 4 years old !! She will always be "Big Leah" to me as we also had Leah Sack who was 4 years younger as a special friend on 4th Street SE in Rochester. I have so many memories of Leah and Mark. My favorite memory was of the birthday cake we made. The frosting was blue. We thought it was beautiful ! Oh the patience you had, Val ! Thank you for being so good to me as a little girl. I am so sorry to hear of Leah's passing. Your family will always be very special in my memory ! God bless you and your families. Sincerely, Becky Markus Kanz"
In loving memory of
Leah Dawn Larson
October 9, 1949 - December 23, 2010
ROCHESTER, MINN: Leah D. Larson, 61, died peacefully December 23, 2010 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.Leah was born October 9, 1949 in Rochester to Marvin and VaLor (Pretzer) McGowan. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1968 and was a graduate from Mankato State. Leah worked for many years as a special needs teacher. On December 26, 1970 Leah married Ronald A. Larson. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Leah was employed with Coldwater Creek and a member of Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and shopping. Leah believed in and supported her community by always giving back of herself. Leah was known throughout the neighborhood and became a close friend to many. Leah was full of spunk and enjoyed living life to the fullest. Her main love in life was her family. Leah is survived by her loving husband, Ronald A. Larson; children, Todd Larson, Kara Brady (Brandon); grandson, Quinton Brady; mother, Val McGowan; brother, Markus McGowan and numerous friends. Leah is preceded in death by her father, Marvin McGowan.Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2010 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW. Rochester. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Bethel Lutheran Church 810 3rd Ave. SE Rochester. Rev. Anjanette Rist will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Tributes
"Val, Ron & FamilyPlease know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. It sure was a surprise to us.Clayton & Carole"
"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Leah. Leah and I graduated from Mayo High School together. Her beautiful spirit will always be remembered. No words can erase the sadness you feel, but may it help to know there are others who understand and care."
"Ron and kids, Val and Mark. I am so sorry to hear about Leah. All my school memories just came rushing back. I didn't know she was sick. Mom and I were just talking abut her and Ron the other day, what a shock. She had so many friends, she will be missed. Heartfelt sympathies to all of you."
"I met Leah this fall when I was asked to do a photo shoot with her and Theresa from Coldwater. She was SUCH a lovely, warm person and the photos I took of her showed her beauty inside and out. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends. God Bless."
"So very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you Ron and the family. Such a hard thing....my thoughts are with you all!Hugs....Connie"