Karen Leskinen

Karen Dorothy Leskinen (nee. Reed), 83, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the comfort of her faith.     

Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 20 1942, Karen was the beloved wife of Daniel Leskinen for 61 years — a partnership grounded in love, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to their faith.

She is survived by her devoted husband Daniel; her brothers, David Reed and his wife Anne, Jim Reed, and Allan Reed and his wife Kay; her son Paul and his wife Jennifer; her daughter Julie; and four cherished grandchildren, Lindsay, Kelsey, Amara, and Griffin.

Karen’s life was a melody of devotion, compassion, and joy. From a young age, she had a deep and abiding passion for music, especially singing. Her faith and voice were woven together throughout her life, as she worshipped and served through music in countless ways. She sang in her church choir for decades, led the children’s choir with warmth and patience, and was an integral part of a religious choral group and half of a traveling multimedia performance duo that traveled to share the story of Jesus and messages of hope and grace through song and visuals. After a trial, Karen was selected by audition to participate in Detroit’s oldest choir with performances throughout venues in the metro area.

A dedicated church member, Karen’s service extended beyond her own congregation. She participated in mission trips, using her gifts to connect with and uplift communities across the globe. She worked as a Stephen Minister Leader, training Christian congregation members to provide the skills and resources for deep care to those with times of need.

In addition to her musical and spiritual passions, Karen was an enthusiastic traveler. With Daniel almost always by her side, she explored 44 U.S. states—including both Alaska and Hawaii—visited four Canadian provinces, and journeyed to more than 20 countries across four continents. She delighted in the people she met, the cultures she experienced, and the beautiful landscapes she saw. Her college degree led to diverse experiences as an appliance evaluator at a Detroit automotive manufacturer and later as a computer software teacher at a community college. Karen also served diligently as the chairman of a local homeowner’s association at a suburb in the Detroit area.

Karen’s legacy is one of faith, help, harmony, generosity, and love. Her voice may now be silent, but her song lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral services will be held at Fred Wood Funeral Home (36100 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152) from 3 pm to 7 pm (service at 3 with visitation after) on November 2, and internment at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI on Monday, November 3. A Celebration of Life will follow at Parrish United Methodist Church in Florida on a date to be determined. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1

Service

Sunday, November 2 at 3:00pm 

Fred Wood Funeral Home

36100 Five Mile, Livonia, MI 48154

Visitation will continue until 7:00pm

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