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Jeffrey Alan Leden, age 69, husband of the Reverend Leila Blackburn, died, April 16, 2024, at his home in Belmond, Iowa. Public funeral services will be Monday, April 22, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 1st Street S.E., Belmond. Pastor James Gochenouer will be officiating. Burial will be in the Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Public visitation will be Sunday at the Belmond United Methodist Church form 4-6 PM and will continue at the church Monday from 9:30-10:30 AM. The family suggests those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Jeff's memory consider the Belmond United Methodist Church, to his family, or the donor's choice. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Andrews Funeral Homes, Belmond, Facebook page for those unable to attend the services in person. Just LIKE the page to view.
He was born January 10, 1955, in Rockford, Illinois. He was the fourth child and Gerald and Mary Leden.
Jeff was raised in Rockford, where he graduated from Auburn High School in 1973. After high school he attended Rock Valley Community College, the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse, and the University of Wisconsin Platteville. He received his degree in Criminal Justice from Platteville.
Jeff had a variety of careers including motel management, sales and office work. When he began to have health problems in 1999, he "retired" and became a "stay-at-home" Dad for his daughter Sarah.
Jeff married Leila Blackburn in Denver, Colorado on May 30, 1993.
Jeff played junior tackle football in high school and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He liked music, playing the piano and the guitar and owning over hundreds of CDs in a variety of music styles. He also liked to watch old movies and sitcoms. Jeff liked nature, enjoying lakes, parks, and mountains. He also enjoyed animals, watching birds and wildlife. Jeff also loved pets, his dog Sandy growing up, his first cat Sky Lab, and his current feline Kiki (who visibly misses him already). He had a wonderful sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife Rev. Leila Blackburn, Belmond, IA, daughter Sarah (Caleb) Scherger, Viroqua, Wisconsin; brothers Gregory (Margo) Leden, Rockford, IL., and William (Karen) Leden, Poplar Grove, IL; mother-in-law Betty Blackburn, Urbandale, Iowa; eight nephews, five great-nephews and nine great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law: Cindy and Ron Alms, and father-in-law Merrill Blackburn.
Andrews Funeral Homes, Belmond, IA. http://www.andrewsfuneralhomeandfloral.com 641-444-4474
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