LeAnn Marlene Eltze

LeAnn Marlene Hagena Eltze passed away on November 29, 2025, after a courageous and long battle with pancreatic cancer.

LeAnn was born on a farm outside of Davis, South Dakota on September 4, 1942. Her parents were George and Verona (Eddy) Hagena. LeAnn and her older sister, Eunice, spent hours dressing up cats and playing with dolls. She also enjoyed hunting, sewing, and catching for her softball team.

LeAnn attended a one room schoolhouse, Lennox High School, and University of South Dakota where she didn’t just earn a degree in medical technology, but met the love of her life, Ervin Eltze.

They moved to Omaha where she worked at St. Joseph Hospital at Creighton Medical Center. Her love of bridge and cribbage started here. Soon, they moved to Ames, Iowa for Erv to continue his education.

Erv and LeAnn started their family while Erv attended Iowa State University. Michael John and Robert Dean were born there. The next move was to Hays, Kansas where Erv put his math PhD to work at Fort Hays State University. Michelle Ann soon joined the family.

Those who knew LeAnn appreciated her artistic talents. Her flair for sewing items like furry hand puppets, fabric playhouse mansions, and the coveted matching pajamas for the grandchildren. She loved to paint, and her beautiful landscapes of her world travels are loved by her family. She was a phenomenal cook as well, especially her crescent rolls, bierocks and kolaches.

Her fascination with genealogy led to her becoming a proud member of Mayflower Society, and regent of Daughters of the American Revolution.

LeAnn’s faith impacted all facets of her life. She developed lifelong friends during her time as president of United Methodist Women. She also spent many hours devoted to scripture, Disciple classes and representing the church at Great Plains Annual Conferences. She was generous with her time, thoughts, prayers, and treasures often anonymously giving to others.

LeAnn was proceeded in death by husband, Ervin Eltze, parents George and Verona Hagena, and brother-in-law Alfred Peters.

She is survived by many people who loved her dearly. Her sister, Eunice Peters, brother-in-law Ron (Elaine) Eltze. Her children: Mike (Angie) Eltze, Bob Eltze, and Michelle (Rob)

Danner. She adored her grandchildren: Matthew (Rachel) Eltze, Samantha Eltze, Emma (Jordan) Boge, Chloe Danner, and Ethan Danner. She was very excited for her first great-grandbaby to be born in May (Matthew and Rachel Eltze).

Her legacy of love, family, service, and light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Ervin and LeAnn Eltze Math Scholarship at Fort Hays State University or Church of the Resurrection Partner Schools.

A visitation will be held on December 5, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Resurrection Leawood, located at 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.