New Hope, Minnesota
Leaf, Daniel Paul age 39, died on Nov. 16, 2005. Dan displayed amazing courage and bravery during his 17-year journey with scleroderma and lived life to its fullest following his lung transplant in 1997. Survived by parents, Jim & Susan Leaf; siblings, Patricia (Paul) Runquist, Michael (Cindy), Cory (Theresa), William (Betsy Maloney); also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers. Preceded in death by his mother, Frances. Special thanks to the staff at U of M Fairview Hospital. Visitation Friday (TODAY), 4-8 PM at Gill Brothers Funeral Chapel, 7300 Rockford Road (42nd Ave N), New Hope, with prayer service at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Joseph, 13015 Rockford Road, Plymouth. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to LifeSource. "Breathe easy, Dan." GILL BROTHERS 763-531-1777
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Dear Leaf Family:
I'm writing now as I find I think of Dan often and miss him. We had dated, realized we were not soulmates, but remained friends for nearly 20 years. He would always call or stop by when he was here at North Memorial for tests. He was so kind hearted and truly thoughtful. I hope that your family has found some peace and can smile/laugh at the memories of Dans' life.
Shelley Appel
April 27, 2006 | Crystal, MN
Sue, Jim and the Leaf children
We are saddened to hear about Dan's passing. His courageous battle with Schleroderma was a lesson for all of us.
Please know that we continue to pray for Dan and all of you.
God Bless
The Metzger's
The Metzger's
November 20, 2005 | Medina, MN
To The Leaf Family-
Thank you for allowing me comfort Dan, I wish I could have done more for him. He was an amazing man. He always had my back, listened to my woes without being judgmental, and was a brilliant pillar of support for me. I am grateful to him. He was kind and thoughtful. He tried to help everyone he could. He was so brave. He managed employees that belonged in the land of misfit toys and made them a family for us all. I miss him. I am very sorry for your...
Mykel Anderson
November 19, 2005 | Cambridge, MN
Although knowing Dan for just a short time, I was able to know what kind of wonderful person that he was thru the people who knew him and how they were touched by Dan and his willingness to put their feelings first. I had heard this over and over thru out the nite during his wake. It truly makes me sad because of his passing, but happy knowing that he is in now a better place, But sad too that I wasn't given a chance to know this wonderful man even better.
God Bless Dan!!
Joe Bentfield
November 18, 2005 | Cambridge, MN
To my Guardian Angel Dan,
You have always watched out for me and my family to make sure we were ok, I know that you still will. Because you will always be my guardian angel. It is hard to say good bye when I didn't want you to leave. You will be missed. I promise that I will take care of Myk for you. You will always be in my heart.
Leah
November 18, 2005 | Minneapolis, MN
Jim and Sue:
Please except our deepest sympathy in the loss of Dan. Our prayers and thoughts our with you.
Bob and Kathy Bourbonais
November 18, 2005 | Maple Grove, MN
Dear Leafs,
Laura, the kids and I am very sorry for your loss. The miracle of a transplant gave Dan at least a bit of extra time to savor life. Let him be a lesson to all who waste precious time on earth, that we may learn to live every day to the fullest. May Dan's memory inspire us.
Paul Kuettel
November 18, 2005 | Falcon Heights, MN
William - I share in your sorrow and pray that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Brenda Leviton
November 18, 2005 | Eden Prairie, MN
Our prayers are with your family.
Terry and Christy Tomann
November 18, 2005 | Eagan, MN
