Leah Lande Peden

Leah Lande Peden (Pierson) passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2024, in Aurora, CO, at the age of 75. She was born on January 3, 1949, in Tyler, MN.  
 
Leah was raised in Kiester, MN and Windom, MN where she graduated from Windom High School and developed lifelong friendships and her love for the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.  She then moved to Sioux Falls, SD to attend Augustana College where she was a cheerleader and met her husband, Ken.  They spent the next several years living all over the country before they settled in Aurora, CO to raise their children, Jill and Brad.  
 
Leah was known for her kindness, love, and sense of humor. She dedicated her life to advocating for the less fortunate and had a special passion for working with children. Her ability to make everyone feel like they were her favorite person endeared her to all who knew her.  
 
Leah is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ken Peden, her daughter Jill (Peden) Simpson, her grandchildren Lande and Ryal Simpson and Jack and Avery Peden, her sister Patricia Sanderson (Harold), her brother-in-law Ron Peden, her sister-in-law Karen Brandell, her nieces Angela Mahowald (Jason), Holly Hins (David), Gretchen Foster (Justin), Heather Corssmit (Pete), Lisa Schlecht (Ryan), Megan Yarmuth (Floyd) and nephew, Grant Brandell (Sam), as well as the dear family friend, Nermin Hodzic (Dina).
 
She is preceded in death by her son Bradley John Peden, her parents John and Gladyce (Lande) Pierson, her brother Dan Pierson, and her in-laws Clifford and Maxine (Marshall) Peden.
 
Leah's career was dedicated to serving as the Youth and Education Director at Messiah Community Church and previously at Augustana Lutheran Church. She touched the lives of many through her work.
 
A service to honor Leah's life will be held on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Messiah Community Church, 1750 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80220.