Loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, Edward Leppanen, passed away on Friday, September 13, giving in to his four-year battle, at Continental Care and Rehab.
Ed was born April 21, 1961 to Lyman and Leila Leppanen in St. James Hospital. He attended Madison School, West Junior High, and graduated from Butte High School in 1979. Following high school, Ed enrolled in the United States Air Force, starting his journey at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He was able to see Europe and lived in England, ending his military career in Mountain Home, Idaho. He was proud to serve our great country. His vast eagle collection was proof of his love and commitment to the USA! After leaving the service, Ed worked in various businesses around town. He ended his career at Sears after debilitating asthma forced him to retire.
Ed was a very generous soul and often had many friends with him. He loved playing darts, hunting, fishing, and camping. For years, he was camp host at Georgetown Lake and loved every minute of it! He made many friends, from all over the United States, during this time. His favorite activity was getting out on his four-wheeler with his favorite Uncle and best friend, Cliff Gustavsen. Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He loved helping the elderly church members and would often take them to doctor’s appointments and shopping. Along with his mom, he enjoyed cooking amazing dinners for their church friends. His love for friends and family was never ending. His nieces, nephew, and cousins, that called him Uncle Ed, were always being spoiled by his generous soul! He would do anything for anyone at any time.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents: Inez and Ed Braunstadter, and Werner and Aino Leppanen. There is a celebration in heaven where Ed can walk, hunt, fish, camp, and four-wheel with all these people tagging along!
Ed is survived by his sister: Susan (Mike) Yelenich, nieces: Meagan (Ade) Shemsu, Kellie Yelenich, Nephew: Matt (Emily) Yelenich and their children Lita, James, and Luke. Aunts and Uncles: Marlee and Cliff Gustavsen, Marcia and Mike Doto, and Sheryl Nelson. Numerous cousins, including those who were like siblings: Kyle (John) Gordon, Kori Dyer (Sean Milligan), Kasey Doto (Teresa), Stacie Carmichael, and Chuck Carmichael. Their children he lovingly referred to as nieces and nephews: Kelsey, Bryce, and Connor Cuchine, Madison Dyer, Brooke Ballensky and Brynn Ralph, McKenzie, Sophia, and Parker Doto, and Ally Carmichael.
The family would like to thank Continental Care and Rehab’s staff for taking care of Ed during these last four years. Also Aunt Marlee and Uncle Cliff for spending countless hours with him; Maddie Dyer for always running when we needed you to and taking such loving, gentle care of him during the last few days of his life; Bud and Denise Cuchine for your weekly visits; Mary Rowe for your endearing friendship; Pastor Lanny Rounds and the members of the First Presbyterian Church for your love, prayers and concern for Ed. Most importantly, Mike Yelenich for your undying dedication and encouragement. When most forgot he was struggling, you lifted him up!
A private family memorial will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Butte High Athletic Association or First Presbyterian Church
Please offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ed. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Ed and his family.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Sheryl Mayo says
Susan and family,
I am sad to hear of Ed’s passing but know he is in heaven with your parents and enjoying no pain. God blessed me with Ed as a friend and I will always remember Thanksgiving dinner at your mom’s. Know you are in my prayers.
In Christ’s Love,
Sheryl Mayo
Cindy Dingell says
Susan,
Sending many blessings and prayers to you. I have very fond memories of meeting Ed when I was a child and will never forget his kindness. He was that “fun” cousin. May the reunion in heaven be a grand event for him. RIP Ed, heaven truly gained an angel.
Patsy Cain says
Dear Kory and family sorry for your loss Ed sounded like he enjoyed life and was a great guy he is at peace now and out of pain may he RIP Bing & Patsy 😇
Amy Hopewell says
To the Family of Ed,
What an amazing soul Ed was. I got to know him over the last few years and was always happy when I was able to spend some time with him just visiting. My dog Rockie loved Ed so much and he will miss riding the halls with him and just hanging out. Rockie continues to look for him every day….. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ed was a great guy. Love, Amy and Rockie
Tom Eichhorn says
I wish I could have met him. I know I will but now I’ll have to wait. Prayers to all.
Debbie Ellis says
I just wanted to mention Ed’s love for darts and his countless dart friends. My son, Clayton Ellis, visited him a lot and I know they all miss him!! RIP Ed Leppanen
Vicky Struznik says
For all the fun times we had playing Cribbage. He taught me lots while he always won?! Memories of good times forever in my heart. RIP and God Bless
Patti maldonado says
My deepest sympathy to Eds family.. I went to school with ed and he was the nicest boy i had ever met. Even as we ran into each other later in life we always had a kind word for each other. He was a very good friend and will be sadly missed.