Leanne Duncan Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marcia Soletski Carlson
September 8, 2025
Autumn breathes your name
Consciousness continues on
Our hearts remember
Haiku, in honor of the anniversary of the day of Leanne´s transition, with love to Leanne, and all who think of her.
Dan Young
September 8, 2024
We think of you often when the hummingbirds come, just like the one we saw on the Sunday 22 years ago today when you left us, as Rick and Marcia while talking on the phone. And, this summer, we have had lots of hummingbirds to make us think about you. And, just now looked out and saw a hummingbird!!!
Marcia Soletski Carlson
November 9, 2021
Happy Birthday, Leanne. We Miss You, Love You!
September 5, 2021
Another year goes by, without our little sister, but the memories never go by. Missing you Leanne. Randy and Sandy
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Jeff Berndt
November 12, 2020
Resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend. November 9th will always be “Leanne Day” to me, my Scorpio friend.
❤
Margo Driscoll
November 12, 2020
Dear Lee,
I miss you and I am thankful for all the time we had together. You were a very important person in Patrick’s life and he is doing very well and is happy. We could both use your “taste in Fashion “, especially now.
Maybe gone but never forgotten.
Love you!
Margo
Cheryl Skenandore
November 11, 2020
Love you little auntie/sister. Miss you♥
1991
Marcia Soletski Carlson
November 10, 2020
In honor of Leanne's birthday, I wrote the following Haiku.
I have had many conversations with people over the years, reminiscing of Leanne's compassion and kindness. That's a solid testament to what life is all about. Leanne is missed, and remembered with Love.
Smiles, hugs and laughter
Your kindnesses remembered
Autumn glow of you
Randall and Sandra Soletski
September 5, 2020
Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes, joy and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.
Randy & Sandy Soletski
September 5, 2019
All these years pass by. Reading all the memories brings tears to our eyes. Rick and Marcias story of the hummingbird, and I look out of our window, and see 4 hummingbirds stocking up before they leave us, for the winter. We miss you dear sister, you are fondly, and lovingly remembered. Randy and Sandy
Renata Rohleder-Idarraga
September 25, 2015
Marcia I came across this accidentally. I'm saddened by this, Leanne was such a warm fun loving kind soul. Peace to all of you.
"The Jeff and Leanne Show" at Oliver's - 1990s
Jeff Berndt
September 8, 2014
"The Jeff and Leanne Show" at Mortimer's - 1990
Jeff Berndt
September 8, 2014
lauri ysebaert/weslowski
April 26, 2014
I remember Leanne fondly. She was my friend in Junior High. After High School we lived together in Green Bay with her sister Marcia. Leanne was always full of fun and happiness. I was deeply saddened when I realized she was gone. I last saw her in Minneapolis about twenty years ago. She was the same bubbly woman I knew. Memories are forever and I have great memories of her.
October 28, 2013
Thinking of you today, Leanne. Still miss you. How the time flies. Rest in Peace and love to you. Randy and Sandy
Rick Soletski
September 8, 2012
I can't believe it's been 10 years since Leanne's passing. It seems like yesterday, it seems like a million years ago. There's always something there to remind me. R.I.P.
February 12, 2012
Marcia, sorry to hear this. I was in town and asked about Leanne at Mortimer's. I live in Phoenix now. Take care. Scott Franze.
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 9, 2011
Birthday Remembrance
Feelings of missing Leanne and
smiling stories,too--
Reminders of what she means to me
and others whom she's touched.
Time spent today at Lake of the Isles,
waves lapping at the shore, constant, soothing...
Beneath a beautiful weeping willow,
wind moving through it's boughs,
Blue sky.
I felt her presence,
I felt all Presence
and was comforted.
I go on, blessed.
Written for Leanne in honor of her birthday.
Held in our hearts with Love.
Dawn Soletski
November 9, 2011
Happy Birthday, Aunt Leanne. We still miss you...we still celebrate you...we still laugh at all the great memories. You were such a special lady and we carry you with us. Still loving you...
Greg Merrill
September 20, 2011
It’s autumn again
Leaves whisper the sound of our past
In loss they pay a descent
To the ground we fall
It’s autumn again
Our song is sung by the wind
Echoes of loss and grief
Through chilled air we wade
It’s autumn again
The waters grow as cold as our hearts
We are alike – crusted in ice
In ourselves we freeze
It’s autumn again
Flowers vanish from our sadness
Our beauty grows weak
Covered in frost we wither
It’s autumn again
The rain falls like our tears
Can’t dry our eyes
From the sky we descend
It’s autumn again
The sun shines then fails like us
Our sight becomes a wintry gray
Lost in darkness we will fade
It’s autumn again.
Rick Soletski
September 15, 2011
9.11.11 11:30
sunny autumn morn
hummingbird flittng, darting
mem'ries nine years on
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
September 7, 2010
Autumn
when senses are awakened
as if they had taken a long nap over the summer.
Eyes opened in a cool, peaceful room. Late afternoon.
Looking around, noticing with fresh vision
and quiet detachment
the colors turning among the leaves,
the sun at a different angle of golden,
the wind chimes, distant.
The world is different, yet so familiar.
Like remembering loves ones we no longer see,
but we feel them, like a long-ago hug, or a nap on a warm summer day.
Written in honor of Leanne and in remembrance of the day of her passing on, September 8, 2002. We hold her in our hearts, and remember her with love, and a smile.
Dan Young
December 17, 2009
Yes, every time I clip a coupon for French fried onions, I think of Leanne.
Rick Soletski
December 16, 2009
I thought it appropriate, as we spend another Christmas without Leanne to print a green bean casserole recipe, as that was the dish often assigned for Leanne to bring to the family holiday gatherings. She didn't live in Minnesota long enough to begin to refer to it as her "hotdish." Leanne was a good cook with whatever she made. However, to Dan's horror, she often waited to buy the ingredients at the PDQ on Christmas Eve at 3 times the price, and didn't use any coupons! We'll miss her again this year, especially teasing her.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
4 cups cooked green beans
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 1/3 cups French fried onions
Preparation:
Mix soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions. Bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Top with the remaining fried onions and bake about 5 more minutes, until onions are lightly browned.
Serves 6.
Rick Soletski
September 8, 2009
We were out on the deck on Sunday, exactly the same time and place I was 7 years ago when the operator broke into the call Marcia and I were having with the urgent request to cut in. Similar day, beautiful, sunny September morning.
And what should appear, but a hummingbird, hovering around the fuschia and taking a sip from the feeder, and then flitting off. Some might call this a coincidence, but 'splain the cocktail hat :)
Leanne lives in our hearts and memories
"Guess now who holds thee?--Death, I said, But, there,
The silver answer rang,--Not Death, but Love."
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 7, 2008
Bright November day
Feel the warmth of golden sun
Birthday thoughts of you
Leanne lives on in our hearts, our memories, our smiles.
Love to All,
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 9, 2007
Your presence lingers
in our hearts and memories
closeness within reach
Remembering Leanne on her birthday with Love.
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 8, 2006
Moon's quiet presence
Oversees our healing hearts
Touched by gentle wind.
Memories, Faith, Time...a long road.
Remembering Leanne with Love.
Randy and Sandy Soletski
November 3, 2006
Thinking of you as another birthday approaches without you. We still miss you.
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 9, 2005
Written in honor of Leanne's birthday:
Flickers of Laughter
Memories of Birthdays Past
Good Times Shared in Love.
Remembering Leanne on her Birthday and Always,
with Love,
Rick Soletski
November 9, 2005
Five years ago tonight Dan & I had motored up to Minneapolis to surprise Leanne and help her celebrate her 40th birthday. Marcia & Bruce invited her over, and we had parked down the street and were waiting upstairs to surprise her. We went to Nye's Polonaise Room for the best darn prime rib and a few bumps and snits and had a nice time.
Many things during the year bring Leanne to mind. New Orleans this year for example. Marcia & I were on the phone talking about her and Bruce's recent trip there when the operator broke through with the emergency call with the news. I think Leanne & Jeff had gone to New Orleans before, and based on her stories, Dan & I made several trips and had a lot of fun in New Orleans. It's a Leanne town, full of characters and rapscallions.
While Marcia & I were on the phone that sunny, Sunday September morning a hummingbird appeared at the same time to both of us. A few minutes later we got the news. Now, when I see a hummingbird, I think of Leanne. In fact, we had a persistent one visiting us this summer, drinking the red nectar out of the feeder on the deck. It would take a drink, and then set on the slender branch of the oak tree above it. I swear, while it was perched there, one wing raised, little cigarette at a 90 degree angle, it said to me, "next time how's about filling it with some Mr. & Mrs. T's bloody mary mix." :)
Remembering Leanne on her birthday and throughout the year....
Lynnea Wilson
November 10, 2004
A day or so late, as I almost always am...
Draw with me, Leanne.
Around the kitchen table.
Grandma, Marcia,too.
Happy Birthday Aunt Leanne.
Love Scott, Lynn, Logan and Connor
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 8, 2004
The following four Haiku poems were written in honor of
Leanne's birthday, November 9th.
Trees in sunset shades
Preceed their time of slumber
Seasons moving on
Dark limbed silhouettes
Patterned leaves in shades of dusk
Solemn memory
Bright November moon
Reflects in clouds surrounding
Winds whisper your name
Birthday dreams of you
Brief encounters in my sleep
Bring you close, once more
With Love, from Marcia
Leanne lives on in our hearts and in our memories.
Marcia and Bruce
Jim Soletski
September 8, 2004
Rick and All,
Thanks for that remembrance of Missy. God, I used to think that name was so dumb, but it fits her to a T. This has been so hard the last few years. It seems no matter where I am in this house, I see a picture or keepsake that reminds me of the two goobers, Leanne and Mike. Dad used to get so distressed about Leanne, but really didn't say much. You could read it in his face. I know she's at rest now, but it doesn't make it that much easier to take. When we sit around a campfire and hear the Pffftt!! of a beer can, we know she is there with us. I know how odd that sounds but it is as true as night follows day.Leanne sure was somethin' wasn't she? I often think of that day after the funeral when we left Minneapolis and got stuck in traffic for three hours. It just dawned on me that, that was so like Leannes trips to Green Bay, can we swing by the dry cleaners to pick up my sweater? She road back to GB with us once when we lived out there in the mid 80's and I thought we would never get home. Two years,seems like yesterday.
Rick Soletski
September 7, 2004
3 a.m. Unzip. Zip. Leanne crawls into the "minnow" tent she borrowed from a friend that we were sharing for Camporama - Green Lake. Five minutes pass. Zip. Unzip. Zip. Unzip. Zip. Unzip. "For God's sakes Leanne, turn on the flashlight, you're zipping and unzipping the mosquito net, not the door!"
If how much you are remembered is a sign of how much you are missed, Leanne was very much in our hearts late around the campfire at Camporama 2004. I continue to learn new things about her, and get more insight into her life with each story, new or retold. I've looked at past postings, and I usually include some lyrics. I thought these might be "apropo" as Mom used to say.....
Late night around the campfire:
It's quarter to three,
There's no one in the place 'cept you and me
So set 'em' up Joe
I got a little story I think you oughtta know
We're drinking my friend
to the end of a brief episode
So Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 8, 2003
Written in honor of Leanne's birthday, November 9th
Laughter faintly heard
Autumn sun and leaf tossed winds
Memories of you
Love,
Marcia and Bruce
Rick Soletski & Dan Young
September 8, 2003
A minute ago I was driving and this song came on the radio.....
"Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath / keep me in your heart for a while / If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less / keep me in your heart for a while." --Warren Zevon
Almost the exact time as a year ago when we learned of Leanne's passing. We keep her in our hearts.....
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
May 26, 2003
A beautiful red rose bush
surrounded by calla lilies and gladiolas
with yellow and white pansies in front.
Holly, a long time friend of Leanne's (and friend of the family) had given the family a gift certificate to plant something in memory of Leanne. The family wanted Bruce and me to have it and this is what we planted with love.
Leanne always had flowers in her home and gladiolas were a favorite - as soon as they were available they would be in her vases. Calla lilies are a symbol in our family dating back to Mom and Dad and their wedding, a symbol that has become more prominent over the years.
An azalea bush was the first thought (a friend had suggested something 'flashy and high maintenance') but the flowers were either too pink or too orange--they just wouldn't do. I came upon this beautiful rose bush with the perfect red blossoms. At the check out there were two 'Chatty Cathy' sisters behind me, about 10 years older, who complimented the rose bush...they gardened...their Dad gardened...all signs that this was the right choice. Also, Mom's poem, My Memories was added to this website by Lynn.
Bright yellow and white pansies are prominent in the front of this garden, symbolizing Leanne's friends, an important part of her life.
Thank you Holly.
Love to All.
Thinking of Leanne (we miss you so much) and of all those who have passed on. May they rest in peace.
Marcia and Bruce
Dawn & Joe
December 29, 2002
We missed you this Christmas in 'da Falls, Aunt Leanne.
Marcia and Bruce Carlson
November 7, 2002
Written in honor of Leanne's birthday, Saturday, November 9th
Haiku
Winds blow through leaves in darkness
Memories of sun
Echoes of your path remain
Love,
Marcia and Bruce
Claudia Vanden Heuvel
October 9, 2002
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me (Author Unknown)
When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready, In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked though heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great golden throne,
He said "This is Eternity, And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past, But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last,
And since each day's the same day There's no longing for the past.
But you been have so faithful, So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.
Leanne you will be missed. We know you are in a better place, but it is still hard to believe you are gone, little sister.
With love from Don and Claudia
Lynn, Scott, Logan and Connor Wilson
Scott, Carla, Matt, and Jake Vanden Heuvel
Bruce Carlson
September 27, 2002
Holy God, whose ways are not our ways and whose thoughts are not our thoughts, grant that your Holy Spirit may intercede for us with sighs too deep for human words. Heal our wounded hearts made heavy by our sorrow. Through the veil of our tears and the silence of our emptiness, assure us again that ear has not heard, nor eye seen, nor human imagination envisioned, what you have prepared for those who love you; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead. Amen
We will all miss you little sister.
Jim Soletski
September 19, 2002
Many thanks to all of our twin cities friends and family who made our weepy week special. Your warm words and stories confirmed what we already knew. Leanne was something special. We picked on her because we loved her, we worried because we loved her and we continue to pray for her because we love her. You all hold a special place in our hearts for being part of our extended family.
Love always, Jim and the young girls, Steffany and Erica
Scott, Lynn, Logan and Connor Wilson
September 17, 2002
I think some day I'll build a castle
Of a great, tremendous height,
With a garden full of roses
That the moon will watch at night:
Then I'll take my memories
Of things so bittersweet;
I'll lock them up and keep them there
Till once again we'll meet.
and some night if I'm lonely,
I'll sit on my balcony
And watch and live all over again
Each precious memory.
"My Memories"
Caroline Jaklin Soletski 1933
We love and miss you Leanne.
Jeff Berndt
September 16, 2002
I have so many indelible memories of time spent with the Soletski sisters, Leanne and Marcia. The mere notion of our escapades brings a snicker to my face and a laugh to my self in public places. Leanne's friendship was so prominent through an often turbulent period in my life and I'm so grateful to have shared so much with her. All who know me know of "the photos" and lipstick-kissed napkins dominating my scrapbooks. Thank you to my Polish American Princess ("PAP") for being so photogenic. Thank you too Marcia and other Soletski siblings for being so real and for making me feel a part the family.
I love you guys,
Jeff
Marcia Carlson
September 16, 2002
Leanne's Eulogy
Leanne will be greatly missed by her family and her friends. We are all trying to adjust to the shock of her passing. If there is anything we can be thankful for, it is that she went peacefully, and with a friend.
Leanne was the youngest of seven children of Caroline and John T. "I'll always be younger than you" was something that she enjoyed the opportunity of saying. Leanne missed her parents, Caroline and John, deeply when each one passed on. She enjoyed spending holidays with her family in Green Bay, and loved the Soletski Family Camporama. She missed some of these events in the past couple of years, but we were happy that we were able to celebrate Easter with her this year.
Leanne was a graduate of Preble High School and attended the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. She moved to Minneapolis in 1984. She was married from 1993-1995. Leanne was a computer software and programmer recruiter. Her jobs were always important to her. We all know that she enjoyed talking about her work...a lot.
Leanne was charming. She knew a lot of people, loved a lot of people, and was loved by her family and many friends. She had the ability to talk to anybody. People enjoyed her sense of humor, which as we all know had a sarcastic bent. She had the ability to make you laugh from your gut, which sometimes in our family resulted in an expected "settle down you kids!" from our Dad or a laughing jag among friends or family.
Leanne had a good heart, and showed her love for others. She loved her family, and we hope she heard us when we told her we loved her.
A friend brought up about where Leanne would live, her apartments, her home, her corner of the world. She had always taken pride in where she lived, her decor, keeping her home neat, her love of cooking, her patio garden. She shared a love of plants and gardening, something that we kids begrudgingly learned from our parents, and as adults we all love.
Leanne enjoyed Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Billy Holiday music (not to forget Todd Rungren). She loved Nick at Night 60s family sitcoms, she would laugh at Mayberry episodes with a friend. She loved to read, especially suspense or thriller books, and she enjoyed watching old movies.
Leanne was fun and loving, and like all of us, she could also be difficult. She enjoyed happy times, and had seen her share of tough times. We don't know if she knew or felt how many people thought of her, how many people prayed for her, how many people loved her and wished her the best. We hope she did. Leanne, rest in peace.
written by her sister, Marcia
and from Marcia and Bruce,
"Hey Baby Sister,
We love you and miss you so much!"
Rick Soletski
September 16, 2002
Leanne's family would like to thank everyone who has been so kind and caring in their expression of sympathy at her passing. We are touched and comforted to know she had so many friends.
There was a card and memorial from Nanci Catt, but we are unable to find an address for an acknowlegement. Thank you for your thoughtfulness Nanci. There was also a floral arrangement that arrived without a card. It had beautiful daisies, carnations and roses. Thank you to whoever sent it.
We will miss you always, Leanne.
All My Trials, Lord
Hush little baby, don't you cry
You know your sister was born to die
All my trials, Lord, soon be over
Too late, my brothers
Too late, but never mind
All my trials, Lord, soon be over
There ain't a worth thing that money can buy
You know the rich would live and the poor would die
All my trials, Lord, soon be over
I've got a little book that was given to me
And every page spells liberty
All my trials, Lord, soon be over
There is a tree in Paradise
And the pilgrims call it the Tree of Life
All my trials, Lord, soon be over
recorded by Joan Baez
Love,
Your brother, Rick
Dawn and Joe Soletski (McCartan)
September 16, 2002
To my 'sister'...it was too early to lose you. I hope you're at peace now. I miss you.
Claudia And Don Vanden Heuvel
September 15, 2002
Leanne, We'll always miss you.
Randy and Sandy Soletski
September 14, 2002
Well ya know Leanne, we're going to miss our baby sister staying with us in Green Bay, the bubbly personality to start the day, having a bloody mary and a snit calling your name from Krolls Restaurant, chicken at Charneskis, and the holidays together, setting up your tent at Camp-o-rama, and your hand held at that certain angle with the cigarette there, ready to be smoked. We will always miss you
Greg & Tony
September 12, 2002
We enjoyed Leanne's company as a guest and a friend, and always loved her snappy wit. "Miss Leanne" will be missed.
Tonja Houston
September 11, 2002
I did not know Leanne very well maybe a total of 6 months, but she will be sadly missed in my heart. With a world as confusing as ours is right now,I am glad I got to know her before God made her an angel. My Polish Princess I will miss you.
Tonja
Larry Zieman
September 11, 2002
I am so sorry for your loss. Leanne was a friend with wit, humor and intelligence. I will miss her and her smile a lot.
God Bless.
Larry
Stephen Briggs
September 11, 2002
Leanne was my friend. I will miss her humor and lively banter. Although Leanne had lots to say she was also a good listener; it was very clear that she cared. She spoke often and warmly of her family in Wisconsin, of the group camping trips and of her late parents. They will all be in my thoughts as I grieve with them.
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