Kathy Leistad

A. Kathleen, daughter of Emerald R. and Olga (Petersen) Nielsen, was born October 15, 1933 at Minden, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Fredricksburg Lutheran Church in Minden. Kathy grew up on a farm and attended rural schools near her home. She graduated from Minden High School in 1951. Kathy furthered her education at Dana College, Blair, NE where she earned her AA in a Parish Workers Course in 1953. This led to a position as Parish Worker at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, IA from 1953 to 1955. On November 6, 1955, Kathy was united in marriage with John Nevins Leistad at St. Paul's in Atlantic. They were the parents of three children and lived on a farm west of Elk Horn. Kathy was a wonderful, caring mother and homemaker during the years that her children were at home. In 1977 she began her seventeen years at Salem Lutheran Home in the Activities Department. After her retirement in 1994 she served as a Resident Advocate. Throughout her life Kathy was a devoted member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church. She was a Sunday school teacher and choir member where she served as director for two years. She was also a member of several Circles over the years that included Bible Study and service. Through her church association and education, she served on the boards of Iowa Western Synod and Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. She treasured attending her grandchildren's activities. Later in life Kathy suffered from Alzheimer's disease, however was able to remain at home with the loving care of her husband until 2008 when she became a resident of Salem Lutheran Home. She was welcomed into her Heavenly Father's arms on Friday, November 30, 2012 at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 15 days. Preceding Kathy in death are her parents; brother in law Clair Ingram and sister in law Juane Nielsen. She is survived by her husband John Leistad of Elk Horn; son Noel (Michelle) Leistad of Underwood; Faye (Robert) Wade of West Des Moines and Ann (Bob Bolton of Guthrie Center; grandchildren Julisa (Jeff) Novotny, Jeanna Leistad, Alexandra Wade, Ben Wade, Dania Bolton, Joe Bolton, Marcus Bolton and Curtis Bolton; great grandchildren Joey Novotny and Devaney Kathleen Novotny; sister Delores Ingram and brother Elliot Nielsen both of Minden, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Officiating Pastor Keith Menter Pastor Paul Reynolds Music Processional "It Is Well With My Soul" "Children of the Heavenly Father" "I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" Congregation "I Can Only Imagine" Pastor Menter "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Lynette Wall Janelle Hansen, Organist Casket Bearers Joe Bolton Marcus Bolton Curtis Bolton Ben Wade Joey Novotny Jeff Novotny