"The community of dissemination and implementation science put together this padlet to honor Aaron. I hope that you receive it and know the immense impact that he had on us as individuals, and in our field: https://padlet.com/baumannana/mohwlltagb536qf6 Warmly, Ana"
In loving memory of
Aaron Lewis Leppin
February 3, 1985 - November 3, 2021
Aaron Leppin, age 36, passed away on November 3, 2021, in his home in Rochester, MN, after years of chronic medical challenges. Upon leaving his earthly home, Aaron received his crown of life and heard the Lord tell him, "Well done, good and faithful servant." He left this world in his wife's arms, surrounded by family. Aaron, the oldest child of Steve and Tammy Leppin, grew up in the small north Missouri town of Milan. He learned the value of integrity, hard work, and love of family at an early age by watching and benefiting from the behavior of his parents, who owned and grew the local lumber yard and hardware store. Aaron was instilled with Christian values as a youth and enjoyed a happy, small-town childhood peppered with school and church activities, garage band antics, and sibling shenanigans.
Aaron was gifted academically. He left Milan in 2003 to study biology and medicine at the University of Missouri. He always looked back on his eight years in Columbia fondly and as a transformational time of growth in self-awareness, spiritual identity, wisdom, and maturity. He was influenced profoundly by his interactions with the Christian Campus House Ministry and by the opportunity it afforded him to see peers fully living their lives in accordance with Scripture.
In 2010, Aaron began to get recruited by top medical residency programs. Simultaneously, Aaron began courting the love of his life, Beth Duff. Aaron was accepted to the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine program and then immediately diagnosed with leukemia. Beth followed Aaron to Rochester regardless. The two were married on May 19, 2012, soon after Aaron's bone marrow transplant. The final decade of Aaron's life was defined by his and Beth's relationship in Rochester, MN, and their interactions with church friends and work colleagues. Aaron and Beth enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading, relaxing on the couch, and serving others, especially those on the margins. Aaron and Beth enjoyed a crash course in parenting during a brief period as foster parents. Late in life, Aaron took up woodworking and enjoyed home improvement projects around their much-loved 1910 home. Aaron was actively engaged in the life of Christ Community Church, including participating in the children's ministry, singing with the worship team, leading life groups, and serving on the elder board. Aaron and Beth found incredible joy and community in their church small group. The couple were best friends and loved one another deeply.
Aaron is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Elizabeth Leppin, of Rochester, MN; Parents, Steve and Tammy Leppin of Milan, MO; siblings Miranda (Dustin) Carls of Wentzville, MO. and Derek (Shelby) Leppin of Kirksville, MO; nieces, Ann and Hannah Leppin; nephews, Judah, Hayden, Landen and Tobias Leppin and Riker, Brevin and Garon Carls; his father-in-law John Duff; mother-in-law Judy Dasovich, and brother-in-law (Michael Duff) (In-laws all of Springfield, MO) as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Aaron is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Tom and Ruby Lewis and Marvin and Marilee Leppin.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at Christ Community Church, 4400 55th St. NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. until time of the service. We kindly ask all attenders to wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be directed to organizations of significance to Aaron and Beth. These include Arrive Ministries, Next Chapter Ministries, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, Christ Community Church's mission fund, or the Jeremiah Program (all of Rochester, MN).
The family would like to thank everyone who has provided an incredible amount of support as they walked through the end of Aaron's life.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Memorial service live stream: https://youtu.be/h4FfLRfDTds
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Leppin family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"It's hard to put into words what real-deal authentic faith looks like, but it's easy to remember those who showed it. Aaron was one of those people. I had the privilege of knowing him for the last 9+ years. Servant leader, no-nonsense, other-centered, never complaining -- all come to mind as descriptors. His influence will live in the hearts of so many of our Mayo Clinic staff who for a brief time watched him walk a faithful path with heart. "
"Aaron consistently and constantly lived his beliefs and his Christian love. He was a good friend and a role model all though the years that I've known him. When I needed to spend a few days in Rochester for medical care during our last year of med school together, Aaron insisted on letting me and my wife stay at his house while he stayed with friends. That's the kind of love, above and beyond the call of duty but never seeking praise, that Aaron always had."
"Aaron, I wished I had reached out more to you when we were in D.C. receiving the HAPF training. Our interactions were not much but you impressed by your gentle gesture and fortitude. "
"I met Aaron during my time at the Christian Campus House. He was intelligent, loved the Lord, a natural leader, and a great brother in Christ. We played in the worship band together, went on plenty of retreats, and had deep spiritual conversations. I will always remember his quiet, placid nature. He put thought into his words and then took action. There is no doubt in my mind that he is singing and dancing with our Lord in heaven. I'm sorry that we lost a wonderful man here on earth, but I am rejoicing in where he is now. "
"I have always been impressed by Aaron's energy and determination that made him excel in a field of research that just a few years ago was new to a lot of us. Every time I met with him, I knew I was going to be learning more .. Just a great person and colleague. I am so sorry for your loss, Beth. He touched so many lives and will always be remembered.."
"Beth, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. Our sincere condolences. Denise and Jeff Koster, Jason, Jacob, and Janet"
"I was Aaron's mentor during his student OB/GYN rotation @ Heartland (Mosaic) Medical Center. It was so nice working w/ him as he was so eager to learn & so easy to teach. We joked a lot about his dietary situation, even when I went to dinner w/ he & Elizabeth when @ Mayo's for a conference. His diagnosis stunned me but he impressed me w/ his faith & determination once again. He would have made a fantastic physician. He remains one of my favorite medical students...."
"Mike and I were blessed to watch Aaron grow up. We were able to witness thus young man's life alongside his family. Aaron was always a pleasure to be around. His life was full of servanthood to others. His parents and grandparents were good Christian examples for him. One day, we shall meet again and spend eternity with our Heavenly Father. "