Ann Adele (Kill) Leaf

Ann Leaf, age 92, most recently of Eden Prairie, MN, slipped peacefully away on June 9, 2019, to join her beloved daughter, Margie, and her 8 brothers and sisters who all preceded her in death.  She was the last surviving child of Louis & Loretta (Welch) Kill of Arlington, MN.  The Kill family operated the Arlington Enterprise weekly newspaper for many years as owners/publishers/editors. For the duration of her life, a piece of Ann’s heart always resided in Arlington.

Ann was a 1945 graduate of Arlington High School and subsequently attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. After a first career as a homemaker for a husband and 5 children, she re-entered the workforce later in life and ultimately retired from an administrative position at the University of Minnesota’s Medical School.

Ann’s self-understated beauty, intelligence, and emotional fragility often belied her tremendous inner strength and resiliency.  She was outspoken, tenacious, and a tough advocate or adversary when life often dictated the need to be so.  She was also a voracious reader, history buff, avid purveyor of current affairs, and active member of her church and the Democratic Women’s Caucus.

When asked what she was most proud of about her life, Ann said it was the character and achievements of her children and grandchildren.  We all thank her for the gifts she imparted: her great sense of humor and wit, ability and drive to always question and critique the status quo, confidence to stand up to injustice, and strength to treat all obstacles as surmountable.

She is survived by her children:  Janet (Mark) Maistrovich of Minnetonka, Eric Leaf of Champlin, Brian Leaf (Pam Brown) of Champlin, and Constance Leaf (John Rothbauer) of Wayzata; Son-in Law: David Schneider of Wayzata; Grandchildren:  Jesse (Sarah) Maistrovich, Luke Maistrovich, Ashley (Josh) Tyler, Alex Leaf, Sydney Schneider, and Seth Schneider; Great Grandchildren: Emma Maistrovich and Ruby Tyler; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, at 3:00 pm at the Church of  St Mary, 504 7 ^th Ave NW, Arlington, MN, with visitation at the church from 2:00-3:00 pm.  Interment in the Kill family plot in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Arlington, MN will follow the service.  Arrangements by Kolden Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St, Arlington, MN  (507) 964-2201