Obituary

David Del Leaneagh’s love-filled journey came to an end on October 30, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood, Colorado surrounded by family.

David was born on June 2, 1952, to Jerry and Helen Leaneagh. Except for a two year stint living in Germany where his father was stationed, he spent the majority of his childhood in Iowa. David met the love of his life, Beth Hunhoff, while attending Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. Shortly after they married, David and Beth decided to go to Brazil as Peace Corps volunteers, where they met many dear friends and had many memorable adventures.

David spent 16 years working for Northwest Airlines, where his friendly and helpful spirit fostered deep friendships. After 9/11 ended his time with Northwest, David and Beth set off on a new adventure to Phnom Penh Cambodia, where David helped run a school. When their family needed them back in the states, David and Beth moved to South Dakota, where David earned his masters in English. His final career was as an English Instructor, teaching writing at a community college in Minneapolis.

David loved to learn and share his knowledge with others. He filled his home with books and even constructed a Christmas tree entirely out of books one year! He knew the right song for any moment. He built a huge, wild garden at his home in Minneapolis and won most of his battles against squirrels.  And, his love of exploring new places and visiting people took him all over the US and world.

More than anything, David loved people and built a world-wide network of friends. He loved to make people smile. He gave thoughtful and insightful advice. He remembered things that were important to the people he met. And was happy to help whenever he was needed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beth; his daughters, Laci (Jon) Gettings and Channy (Ryan Olson) Leaneagh, and his son, Jesse Leaneagh. He was a proud Papa to four grandchildren; Asher and Myla Gettings, Pelagia Casselle and Schwa Olson. He is also survived by his siblings; Joan Wright, John Leaneagh and Elizabeth Leaneagh, his step-father Dwight Frambach, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Jerry Leaneagh, his mother Helen Frambach, and his brother Al Leaneagh.

(A memorial service is being planned in Colorado on June 2, 2022 which would have been his 70th birthday.) see addendum below!!!

Hello,

Please note the change of date for David’s Life Celebration:

May 28,2022 (Memorial Day weekend)

2pm-5pm

Clement Community Center

1580 Yarrow St.

Lakewood, CO 80214

The life celebration was moved to Memorial Day weekend to hopefully allow more travel time over the long holiday weekend, while also still being close to what would have been David’s 70th birthday on June 2nd.

If you would like to sing a song, play music, read a poem, or share a story during David’s Life Celebration, please let me know by May 1st so I can arrange the program. There is a piano and sound system available.

You can also still share pictures or stories on David’s Lifeweb: https://memories.lifeweb360.com/david-del-Leaneagh

RSVP:

Please text or call me or email if you are planning on attending and how many people will be in your group. I would really appreciate hearing from you so I can plan accordingly.

There are many things to see and do in Denver: Remember, we are the Mile High City and so as you plan activities, beware of any big mountain hikes if you have challenges with high altitude.

Some ideas would include visiting Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge, Meow Wolf, Immersive Frida Kahlo, The Art of Banksy, Lair of the Bear hike, Denver Zoo, Denver Botanical Gardens, Denver Art Museum for starters.

Thank you,

Beth Leaneagh

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that you enjoy an almond croissant or plate of french fries; read a good book or listen to your favorite album; shop at a farmers market; plant something and nurture its growth; or take a trip and map someplace new. But most of all, be kind and loving and bring a smile to someone’s face.