Kathleen Rose Leander

Kathleen Rose Leander, 80, passed away on August 25, 2024. She was born in Mt. Vernon, WA to Russell and Madge Axelson on March 26, 1944. She was the first of three children to Russell and Madge. She is survived by her brother, Maynard (Laurie) Axelson of Mt Vernon, WA. She was proceeded in death by her sister Linda and her husband John David Leander.

Kathleen attended Mt. Vernon grade schools and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, class of 1962. Kathleen and John David Leander were high school sweethearts and were married in 1965. She graduated from the Skagit Valley Community College, and then the Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She and David moved to Gainesville, FL where they both attended University of Florida. Kathleen earned her master’s degree in education and David earned his PH.D. They moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1972 while David joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina. In 1981 Kathleen, David and their children, Sven, Erik, and Lisa moved to Indianapolis, IN as David joined Eli Lilly and Company as a Research Scientist. They all have become Hoosiers since arriving and staying in Indianapolis.

Kathleen has held various jobs over the years – a farm girl with daily farm chores to a strawberry picker as a child to an elementary school teacher at several schools, to an office secretary, to an Ophthalmologist Assistant. Kathleen was a well-educated woman. Kathleen has been highly active at her church, Pleasant View Lutheran Church. She has served on several church committees – New Membership, Building and Planning, and Budget Committees and more. Kathleen and David have been season ticket holders at Beef and Boards, the Indiana Fever, and held VIP Memberships with the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum, and the Eiteljorge Museum. Some of Kathleen’s passions have been collecting antiques, enjoying movies, traveling, dining out, and of course, shopping! One of Kathleen’s core beliefs was “Shopping Therapy can cure whatever ails you”. She also loved reading. She would average reading two to three books a week. 

In addition to her brother Maynard, Kathleen is survived by her three children, Sven Leander, Erik (Kari) Leander, and Lisa Leander-Krinn. Kathleen’s grandchildren include Veronica Booher (Brandon), Jessica Curnutte, and Samantha Leander; Corey Leander; Taylor Krinn, Lauren Krinn, and Hannah Krinn. Kathleen’s great grandchildren are Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Gwendolynn Booher.

Kathleen and David have been blessed with a rich and full life enhanced by their wonderful families and friends. Kathleen has a big heart and has always looked for ways to help and care for family and friends. She believed that every person needs a chance to be loved, to be forgiven, and to have a life full of grace. Now Kathleen can Rest in Peace with David. Your spirit and love will live forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032) on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 4:30 – 7pm. Funeral Services will be held at Pleasant View Lutheran Church at 801 W. 73RD Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 on Monday September 2, 2024, at 2pm.