Margaret M. “Marnie” Leif

Margaret Mary “Marnie” Leif was born on April 14, 1965, in Minneapolis Minnesota, the daughter of Ardith (Cook) and Delmar Pepper. Marnie graduated from Pacelli High School in 1983. Marnie graduated college from Mankato State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She went on to get her Master’s in Education Leadership at Southwest Minnesota State University. After college Marnie got her first teaching job at Queen of Angels school and continued her teaching career within the Catholic schools for 37 years. She was a dedicated teacher that all her students will remember. She spent her life inspiring others through education and compassion.

Marnie married her high school sweetheart, Steven John Leif on July 1, 1989. Within their 35 years of marriage Marnie and Steve were blessed with three daughters, Emily, Abigail, and Maggie. Their daughters are their pride and joy. Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, Marnie cared dearly for her siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Marnie devoted her life to teaching. While she was not teaching, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends, reading, baking delicious desserts, walking, crafting, puzzling, playing games, and watching the Hallmark Channel. Most of all her happy place was spending time at Ottertail Lake. Marnie and Steve also enjoy doing cross-country road trips with the whole family over their anniversary during the summer.

Marnie passed away October 9, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester after a short battle of cancer.

Marnie is survived by her parents, Ardith and Delmar Pepper; her husband, Steve; daughters, Emily (Marcus) Bell of Charleston, South Carolina, Abigail (Tyler) Lindquist of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Maggie (Conner) Trombley of Rosemount, Minnesota; grandchildren, Lillian Mae and Layla Rosaline Bell, and Edith Rose Lindquist; siblings, Dan (Betsy) Pepper of St. Paul, Minnesota, Amy Pepper of Byron, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Debra Finkenbiner Pepper of Canton, Michigan; and many brothers/sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and friends. Marnie was always a guiding positive light in their lives.

Marnie was preceded in death by her grandparents; and brother, David Pepper.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, October 14, 2024 at St. Edward Catholic Church with Father Gregory Leif officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday at St. Edward Church followed by a prayer service at 7 pm. The visitation will continue for one hour before the Mass at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The luncheon will be held at Pacelli High School gym. Her warmth and big smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Marnie leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and compassion that will continue to inspire generations.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary