Gladys Otilia Leckband

Gladys Otilia Leckband, left this world peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the age of 93 under the care of Edgewood Health Care in Alexandria. Gladys was born on November 4, 1932, in Askov, Minnesota, where she graduated as Valedictorian from Askov High School in 1950. She further her education at the University of Minnesota in the Industrial Relations program while working at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Gladys met the love of her life, Delbert "Doc" Leckband. The two were married on June 27, 1954, at Askov Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Together, they raised four wonderful children: Melanie Leckband-Price, Jane Gere, Douglas Leckband, and Dean Leckband, creating a loving home near Heron Lake, Minnesota, where she devoted herself to family life while generously giving her time volunteering with the Red Cross at the local hospital.

In 1971, the Leckband family moved to Osakis, Minnesota, building a warm and welcoming home on the old Akin place in Gordon Township. Gladys’s began working as a bookkeeper in 1978, at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, where she contributed her skills for 11 fulfilling years. She also worked at NFO in Sauk Centre and later at Walmart in Alexandria until her retirement in 2002. 

Gladys had a passion for music; she loved playing the guitar and piano by ear and delighted in singing with the Sweet Adelines. Her love of gardening often filled her summer days, and she took great joy in freezing and canning her produce. An avid reader, she cherished stories and the adventures within them. Above all, Gladys was beloved by her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, who were her greatest treasures.

She is survived by her loving children, Melanie Leckband-Price, Jane (Greg) Gere, Douglas (Laura) Leckband, and Dean (Jamie) Leckband; 8 grandchildren, Leanne (Kerry) Gotvasle, Amanda (fiancé Jeb) Gere, Kyle (Maggie) Price, Kirby (Emily) Price, Megen Leckband, Nicholas Leckband, Lucas Leckband and Jasmine Leckband; 7 great grandchildren, Reagen, Kalan, and Joren Gotvasle, Hudson, Bennett, Finley, and Coehn Grace Price; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Delbert “Doc” Leckband, brothers, Glen Olesen and Marvin Olesen.

A Celebration of Glady’s life will take place at a later date.