Leslie Lynn Gerberding

Leslie Lynn Gerberding, 26, Burnsville, Minn., left us all way too early Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Leslie was born the daughter of William and Sheryl (Sommer) Gerberding, May 22, 1994, in Eau Claire.

She was raised in Holcombe, where she graduated from Lake Holcombe High School in 2012. Leslie then attended the University of Minnesota, where she obtained her bachelor’s of science degree in environmental science.

Leslie was currently employed as a technician at American Preclinical Services, LLC in Coon Rapids, Minn.

Her greatest love has always been her horses and big dogs. Not only did Leslie love animals from the earliest days of her life, she has always had an undying love for nature and everything around her. The forest was her home and she was a great steward of the planet.

Leslie loved everyone. She had so much compassion and empathy, for every person and animal she interacted with. She was always so enthusiastic about being happy for everyone, including the animals, and her presence was felt deeply by anyone who got to interact with her.

She was a water baby and it was hard to ever get her out of the water! Leslie was an avid reader, and seemed to retain everything she studied and read. Leslie loved her music and played songs by memory on her flute.

She had a green thumb and was so proud of her beautiful plants. She was artistic and creative, it was always amazing to see the next sketch or project she worked on.

Leslie was such a kind, sweet, gentle, smart girl, who loved everyone and all living things. She was known to sit with the big pigs at work, she would go in the pen with them, put their head in her lap and just sit there with them for hours.

This planet won’t be the same without her.

She is survived by her parents – William Gerberding, Sheldon, and Sheryl (Sommer) Gerberding, Chippewa Falls; brothers – Bryce and Trey Gerberding, Chippewa Falls; her dog – Avalanche, Minnesota; Leslie was blessed with two very large families, with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who are all mourning the loss, along with Bill, Sheryl, Bryce, Trey and Avalanche.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents – William and Janette Gerberding; maternal grandparents – Bruce and Ruth Ann Sommer; her aunt – Irene (Gerberding) Wiesner; and uncles – Jon Sommer and Deane Sommer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 12, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, in Sheldon, with Father Vijay Kumar Madani officiating. Interment followed the service at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation was from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service, Wednesday, at the church.

Social distancing and face coverings are recommended.

Online condolences may be expressed at bortonleiserfuneralhome. com.