In loving memory of

Leanna Harestad
December 20, 1967 - September 23, 2023



Leanna Kay Harestad (55) of Roland Iowa, passed away on September 23, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Leanna was born on December 20, 1967, in Nebraska City, Nebraska to Jerome (Brick) and Rosemarie Volkmer. She grew up in Waukee, Iowa, and graduated from Waukee High School in 1986. Leanna received her paralegal degree from DMACC and worked for various legal groups and companies over the last 30 years, including Syngenta Seeds and Iowa State University.

In 1992, Leanna met her loving husband, Jeff Harestad and they married on July 2, 1994, in a garden ceremony on her parents' property near Adel, Iowa. They eventually settled in Roland and together they raised their six children and many pets on their farm.

Leanna loved to spend time with her large family and being outdoors. She will be remembered for her beautiful red hair, infectious smile, and kind heart.

Leanna leaves behind her devoted husband of 29 years, Jeff Harestad; her six children, Mason, Hannah, Addielin, Jordan, Angela and Malachi; five grandchildren, Braden, Sarah, Gretchyn, Holliday, and Hayden; parents, Brick and Rosemarie Volkmer; brother, Doug Volkmer; sister, Deb (Jerry) Bassett; her parents-in-law, Bob and Sallie (Larson) Harestad; sister-in law, Jill (Ralph) Nerem; brother-in-law, Joe (Jen) Harestad; nephews, Sam Volkmer, Josh Harestad and Garrett Nerem; Nieces, Dena Bassett, Kim Bassett, Jenn (Matt) White, Kayla (Braiddey) Ruzicka and Jacy Harestad as well as a host of extended family and close friends.

Plans for a Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date. In remembrance, the Harestad family is accepting donations for a memorial in Leanna's honor. Memorial donations can be made via Venmo to: @Jeff-Harestad

Tributes

Roxanne Payne wrote on Oct 2, 2023:

"I was so sorry to hear of your wife?s passing, Jeff. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care!"

Elaine and Jerel Merical wrote on Oct 1, 2023:

"Elaine and Jerel Merical We are so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Leanna! She was in one of our eighth grade catechism classes and was perfect, as you can imagine, as Mary in the Christmas Nativity play. A couple years later, she was our daughter?s favorite babysitter. When we picked Kate up one time, Leanna had an envelope of beautiful photos she and a friend had taken of Kate as she played and one as she slept peacefully on Leanna?s shoulder with her cheek nestled into her lovely red hair. I am so grateful that in her busy life she had children and grandchildren who, too, had opportunities to be held closely and be loved by her and to rest on her shoulder nestled softly into her lovely red hair. I am so sorry for your loss, but grateful that you knew the love of such a dear person as Leanna in your life. May God grant her eternal peace, and give her loved ones strength in the days ahead. ?"

Brooke (Dynes) Long wrote on Sep 27, 2023:

"We are so saddened by the passing of Leanna. Her and her family moved in across the street from us and all the kids became quick friends. Such a beautiful lady inside and out. Prayers to her family at this difficult time. Our deepest condolences. Brooke (Dynes) Long on behalf of the entire Dynes family "

Shalleen and Craig wrote on Sep 27, 2023:

"Leanna was our beautiful niece that we loved so much. We watched her grow into a beautiful woman with a heart full of love and caring for her family, friends and pets. We shared the same middle name and I was so honored to be in the delivery room with her when her 3rd child was born. Craig and I walked with her for hours in the middle of the night in the parking lot of the hospital before Jordan was born. She was strong, spirited, loving, creative, dedicated, compassionate, considerate and sometimes a little stubborn with that beautiful red hair! Most of all she was courageous to the end. Our hearts are breaking for Jeff, Rosie, Brick and all the kids and grandchildren she was loved very much and greatly missed. "

Cheryl Sansgaard wrote on Sep 26, 2023:

"I had the pleasure of working at ISU with Leanna. She was a true professional with a delightful outlook. May your memories of her strengthen you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to your entire family. Gos bless. "

Lorie Couture wrote on Sep 26, 2023:

"I?m so sorry for your loss Jeff. May all the good memories help you and your family through this difficult time. "

Arlene Grebasch wrote on Sep 26, 2023:

"I?m so sad to hear this. I worked with Leanna for a short time and thought she was such a neat person. Always so sweet with a great sense of humor. Condolences to the Harestad Family."