On October 19, 2024, Ordella Jean Leland passed peacefully away with her daughter Anne Marie by her side. She adored her precious husband, Kenneth Robert Leland, who preceded her in death in 2017. She and Ken had 6 children: Debi (husband Neil), Nancy (husband Dave), Tom, Bill (wife Pam), John (wife Jody), and Anne Marie (husband Barry). They had 4 grandchildren: Anne Elizabeth, Alexandra (husband Josh), Joseph, and Aaron. She and Ken lived and worked in Albert Lea, MN, for over 60 years.

Della was born on January 29, 1934 in Albert Lea, MN to Hans Hanson and Ruth Viola Hanson Wenzel. She had 2 sisters; Clarice who preceded her in death, and Myrna. She had 2 half siblings; Shirley and Rick.

Della lived a vibrant life. She had a deep curiosity about people, places, and how things worked. She was one of the first in the family to tackle new and upcoming technologies. Without much outside support she methodically taught herself how to use a computer. She persisted with many other technological devices until she figured them out. She was a master knitter, and again, without outside support, tackled many complicated and technical knitting patterns. She loved to travel and always relished her trip with husband Ken and daughter Anne Marie to visit son John studying in Israel. From there, besides traveling throughout Israel, the foursome explored Egypt. She was a prankster; her favorite ‘holiday’ was April Fools Day. She would spend hours scheming her next prank. She loved playing games including cards and board games. We roamed the countryside with her antiquing and looking for bittersweet. One of her magnificent super powers was gift giving. She was generous and oh so kind and caring. She had a beautiful singing voice. She loved plants. Most of all she loved animals. We grew up watching her patiently mend many injured squirrels and bunnies. She usually had something ready to hatch in the homemade incubator every spring. She adored her dogs and cats.

We thank the caregiver teams from Tower Light, Bluestone, and Interim for the support and care Della deserved in the last months of her life. We cherish the love for and memories we have of our Mother Della and will dearly miss her.