Leah Andersen

Leah Nan Andersen, age 21, Ottertail, Minnesota, entered into the eternal presence of God, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, surrounded by her family and caregivers, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Leah was born on March 25, 1993 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Dave and Diane Andersen. Leah recognized her need for salvation and accepted Jesus Christ into her heart at a young age. She spent many summers at Camp JOY, as camper, counselor and then as summer missionary. She was easily recognized as a young lady who lived, breathed and shared her faith. She grew up with a tremendous love for the country and all animals, especially horses. Leah’s hobbies included drawing, reading and picking on her guitar. Leah graduated from high school in 2011 after two years of post secondary online schooling through Northwestern College, became a CNA/TMA at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Battle Lake, Minnesota. She was also employed at Lakewood Health System, Staples, Minnesota. It wasn’t very long before the pull of love for animals got her into fulltime work on farms which she enjoyed until the pain of the tumor pulled her away. Leah enjoyed horseback riding and was fortunate to be able to take in a few trail riding ventures in several states. She enjoyed and was an active participant in Mid-MN Tae Kwon Do School in Wadena, Minnesota. Wadena Evangelical Church and its congregation also became an important part of Leah’s life. Leah is survived by her parents, Dave and Diane Andersen, Ottertail, Minnesota; grandparents, Bob & Donna Andersen, Ottertail, Minnesota and Morine Walker, Savannah, Missouri; siblings, Ben (Laura) Andersen, (Grace, Weston, Evelyn, Jack and Silas), Fergus Falls, MN, Zach Andersen (Jon and Noah), Miller, SD, Josh Andersen (Caitlyn), Bertha, MN, David (Melissa) Andersen, (Esther, Caleb, Israel and Abigail), Fergus Falls, MN, Isaac (Carolynn) Andersen (Elizabeth, Isaac and Emily), Bertha, MN, Sam (Martha) Andersen (Chloe and Zoe), Fergus Falls, MN, Joel Andersen, Fargo, ND, Gabe Andersen, Fergus Falls, MN, Ezra Andersen, Fergus Falls, MN, Naomi Andersen, Ottertail, MN, and Hannah Andersen, Ottertail, MN. She is already greatly missed by her special horse, 46, and her Great Dane puppy, Gwen. A private family burial service in Prairie Cemetery, rural Ottertail, will be held for Leah on Tuesday morning, July 1, 2014. Pallbearers will be Leah’s brothers, Ben Andersen, Zach Andersen, Josh Andersen, David Andersen, Isaac Andersen, Sam Andersen, Joel Andersen, Gabe Andersen and Ezra Andersen. Honorary pallbearers will be Leah’s sisters, Naomi Andersen and Hannah Andersen. A public visitation gathering will take place at 2:00 that same afternoon, Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at the Wadena Evangelical Church, 419 2nd St. NE, Wadena, Minnesota followed by a 3:00 celebration/memorial service with Pastor Jeff Heisler, Pastor Bert Holmquist and Pastor Dale Heaton officiating. A special thank you to each person who became an active member of “Team Leah” during her surgery and fight for recovery; praying for her, ministering to her, nursing her, feeding her family and raising money for provisions.

Leah Andersen

March 25, 1993 - June 28, 2014