Glen D Leiding

Mankato Mortuary
1001 North Riverfront Drive
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-388-2202

Glen D. Leiding, age 78, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012 after a long difficult hard fought battle with cancer. He passed away at his home with his loving wife Ellie faithfully by his side. He was also surrounded by his family and friends both physically and spiritually. Glen's wish was to have no service. Mankato Mortuary assisted the family.

Glen was born on January 25, 1934 to Conrad and Theresa (Bremer) Leiding in the Tenhassen Township, near what is known as Ceylon, MN. He went to St. Paul's Parochial school in Wilbert, Mn and graduated from high school in Ceylon, MN in 1952. After graduation, Glen worked on the family farm before joining the US Army. He served from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War but spent most of his overseas tour in Germany.

After an honorable discharge and a few various jobs he married Alenora (Ellie) Hovick on October 26, 1957. They moved to Mankato where Glen attended and graduated from Mankato State College on the G.I. Bill. He earned his teaching degree and accepted an offer from School District 77 to teach 6th grade. He started teaching in the fall of 1961 at Franklin Elementary until 1981 when he transferred to Kennedy Elementary where he continued his teaching career until he retired in 1993. He received several "Outstanding Service "awards through the years. He was well liked by his students and highly respected by his peers.

Glen was blessed in life with five children. Glen was a lifetime member of the VFW 950, and longtime member of the American Legion post 11 where he received Loyalty and membership awards from both. He was also a longtime member of the Moose Lodge 1414 where he served in many capacities including Governor from 1981 - 1982. Glen was extremely smart and witty and had a tremendous sense of humor. He was also known to be the Captain with the yellow convertible. Along with his wife Ellie, they were very generous to their children and grandchildren in all ways over the years. Their house was always a home to friends who were alone over the Holidays. Everyone was always welcome and a happy atmosphere was the "norm".

He is survived by his wife Ellie; children, Sid (Kathy) Leiding of Mankato, Neil (Julie) Leiding of Sioux City, IA, VaLynn Barker of Lake Crystal; grandchildren, Kristena (Joe) Doherty of Huron, South Dakota, Karrie Barker of Mankato, Kortney Barker of St. Cloud, Kolten Barker of Lake Crystal, Dylan Leiding, Sioux City, IA, Megan Leiding of Sioux City, IA; step-grandchildren, Jessica (Andy) Brown of North Mankato, Jeremy (Vickie) Stark of Lake Crystal; step-great-grandchildren, Bella and Layla Stark of Lake Crystal; mother-in-law Lilah Hovick of Ringsted, IA; sisters, Lavonne (Pete) Remne of Cannon Falls, MN, Judy (Richard) Benz of Concord, North Carolina; sister-in-law Gracie Leiding of Ceylon, MN.

Preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Valerie and Veronica; brother, Claire; father-in-law, Henry Hovick; and two nephews, Jason and Shawn Hovick.

A special thank you to Dr. Kumar and all of the nurses at the chemo center in Mankato. You were all wonderful to us during this difficult time. You made the cancer/chemo process seem less scary. Bless you all. Another special thank you to the angels at Hospice. Without you we don't know how we would have coped. Bless you all - especially Mary S. who was Dad's case manager and angel. God bless you. Thank you to Dad's best friend in most recent years, Chuck McLaughlin, who visited Dad religiously. Lastly - Thanks to our "extra sibling's", Mark and Sue Bergman. The endless visits and support from you both words cannot describe our gratitude, love and appreciation. Bless you both.