Leah Christiansen

LEAH CHRISTIANSEN

Cedar Rapids

Leah K. Christiansen, 25, of Newton, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Monday at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, by the Rev. Peter Lolagne. Friends may visit with the family from 3 until 8 p.m. Sunday and after 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Leah is survived by her son, Keaton John Kriegel of Malcom; her partner, Tanner Wallen of Ankeny; parents, Zondra (Dan) Hopkins of Cedar Rapids; brothers, Dalton Hopkins of Cedar Rapids and Alex White of Iowa City; sisters, Tava Hopkins of Cedar Rapids, Jacolyn Edwards of Iowa City, Nichole (Chet) Cornwell of Center Point and Christina Hopkins of Marion; grandparents, Shirley Friedl of Galena, Ill., and Judy (Bob) Dennison of Cedar Rapids; aunts, Brenda Edwards (Clint Krabbenhoft), Tracy Feye, Karen Edwards, Maja Christiansen, Theresa (Lee) Simon and Renee (Phil) Warner; her uncles, Jay (Corazon) Edwards, Mike (Cheryl) Hopkins, Kurt Christiansen, Jacobi Christiansen and Tor (Becky) Christiansen; and nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Leah was preceded in death by her father, Karl John Christiansen II; grandfathers, Karl Christiansen and Thomas Friedl; grandmother, Irene Edwards; aunt, Kari Jarzombek; and great-uncle, Raymond Knowles.

Leah felt blessed to have her "three moms": her "mamilia," Zondra Hopkins; her "maunt," Brenda Krabbenhoft Edwards, and her "third mom," Heather Foster.

Leah Kristin was born Nov. 4, 1988, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Karl John II and Zondra Dell Christiansen. Leah graduated in 2007 from Kennedy High School, attended Kirkwood Community College, and obtained her LPN degree from Marshalltown Community College. She was currently pursuing her RN degree and worked as an LPN at Park Center in Newton.

Leah was actively involved in the Iowa National Guard 209, obtaining the rank of sergeant, and took pride in her service with them, especially her participation in the Funeral Honors Detail.

She enjoyed hunting, salmon fishing, horseback riding, biking, camping and golfing. Leah liked spending time with her friends, especially her close friends, Sean Watson and Bekah Aston.

Above all else, Leah lived for every moment she spent with her son, Keaton (her sugarbutt), who was her world.

Zondra wishes to thank Brenda Krabbenhoft Edwards and Rodney Vavricek for this wonderful gift you gave her.

A fund for the benefit of Keaton John Kriegel has been established. Contributions for Keaton's benefit should be sent to First State Bank, 104 Jackson St., Brooklyn, IA 52211.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneral home.com.