Leah Raedene Bown

Leah Raedene Bown, 84, of Belgrade, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton. Burial will follow at Main Cemetery in Belgrade. Following the burial, everyone is invited to join the family for a potluck luncheon at the Corn Krib in Belgrade. Those attending are welcome to bring a side dish or dessert to share as we share memories of Leah. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the funeral home. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Leah was born March 27, 1942, to Karl and Hermine (Hellbusch) Hoffman in Fullerton. She grew up in the Timber Creek area and was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Belgrade and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1959. Following high school, Leah attended Luther Junior College in Wahoo for one year before returning to Fullerton, where she worked for the power company.

On March 3, 1962, Leah was united in marriage to Galen Malander. The couple made their home near Belgrade, where they farmed and raised their four children, Joanie, John, Chris, and Janet. Galen passed away in 2001. In May 2006, Leah married Arlis Bown. The couple made their home in Nampa, Idaho. Following Arlis’ passing, Leah moved to Omaha in 2024.

Leah had a special love for quilting. Over the years, she made countless quilts, runners, and baby blankets. She was a member of a local quilting club and enjoyed the friendships she made through quilting. Leah was also a member of Peace Lutheran Church and helped at the United Methodist Church, both in Belgrade. She was considered a part of the United Methodist Church ladies along with Kay Cornwell, Karen Scott, and Mary Doughty. She later attended Church of Christ in Nampa, Idaho. She also had been active in 4-H with her children. Above all, Leah cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.

Leah is survived by her children, Joanie Malander of Gretna, John Malander of Centennial, Colo., Chris Malander of Omaha, and Janet Sikiotis of Illaroo, New South Wales, Australia; eight grandchildren, Trey (fiance, Kalie Merrick) Shotkoske of Lincoln, Tara (Graham) Burkum of Gretna, Tom (Stephanie) Shotkoske of Crescent, Iowa, Shayna (Josh) Piersma of Des Moines, Iowa, Josh and Jacy Malander of Centennial, Colo., and Eleni and John Sikiotis of Illaroo, North South Wales, Australia; five great-grandchildren; step-children, Deanna (Bud) Paine of Garden Valley, Idaho, Connie (Norman) Ward of Ottumwa, Iowa, Rhonda Bown of Des Moines, Iowa, and Rick Bown of Nampa, Idaho; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Galen Malander and Arlis Bown; great-grandson, Felix Burkum; her parents, Karl and Hermine Hoffman; and brother, Leonard Hoffman.