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Leah Alice Speerstra was born in Mondovi, Wisconsin to parents Seth and Irene (Domke) Speerstra on the 8th of August, 1952. Slightly over a year later, Leah was blessed with a younger sister and her best friend for life, Judith. Both Speerstra daughters were baptized by their grandfather, Rev. Edward E. Domke. During Leah’s early years, the young family relocated from Mondovi, Wisconsin to Superior, Wisconsin, then to St. Paul, Minnesota, followed by Hudson, Wisconsin, before finally establishing their home in River Falls, Wisconsin in 1962. This is when the family began their relationship with Freeman Drug. Seth and Irene were dedicated parents and unwavering supporters of their daughters’ aspirations. Given that Seth was a Pharmacist and Irene was a Medical Technologist, it was no surprise to anyone that Leah and Judy would both become remarkable contributors to the fields of Pharmacy and medicine during their careers.
During her childhood, she relished excursions to connect with her large family throughout Massachusetts, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It’s said by those that knew her that from an early age Leah’s warmth and cheerful demeanor were captivating. Leah had close relationships with her grandparents, aunts & uncles. She frequently reminisced about her treasured moments with childhood friends and working as a teen at Freeman Drug alongside her father. Leah graduated from River Falls High School in 1970. Leah pursued her higher education at both the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. After obtaining the necessary licenses in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, she dedicated herself to her profession as a pharmacist. Since the 1970s, Leah has devoted countless hours to sharing her expertise, knowledge, and enthusiasm with the community of River Falls and its neighboring regions including the Village Pharmacy in Baldwin, WI, Crown Heart Pharmacy in Ellsworth, WI, Micklesen Drug in Hudson, WI, River Falls Pharmacy Services, River Falls Hospital Pharmacy, River Falls Ben Franklin Pharmacy, and, of course, Freeman Drug. Leah has been an owner of Freeman Drug since her father’s death in 2008. Due to the commitment of the pharmacists who preceded her, Leah has continued the legacy of Freeman Drug, which has been family-owned for more than 150 years. Anyone who knew Leah knew that she had an unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare access. She was an advocate for continued education, having authored many letters of recommendation for aspiring pharmacists. In collaboration with other members of the community, Leah dedicated her time to the establishment and ongoing support of the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix County. An example of Leah’s love for her community is evidenced in her leadership of the Freeman Drug team to obtain and administer COVID vaccinations when the world was still quarantined. Leah has a substantial list of accolades, including from the American Association of University Women as a ‘Role Model for Equity’, and she has been named River Falls Citizen of the Year on two occasions (2012 & 2021). Her family knows for certain that Leah’s impact on the community has been immeasurable.
It is no surprise that Leah’s professional gifts are only a fraction of who she was as a whole person. To Ronald Gavin, she has been his anchor, his partner & beloved bride. The two married on the 1st of July in 1972 in a wedding officiated by her grandfather, surrounded by their closest family & friends. The two built a life together that they cherished, sharing common interests & goals. Through each chapter of their 52 years together, Ron & Leah remained deeply in love. Having a family of her own was a dream of Leah’s, and she took on the role of mother with all her heart. Ron & Leah were blessed with two sons, first Benjamin in February 1978, and then Timothy in July 1980. Leah’s faith in God never wavered, and she was thrilled that her sons were both baptized by her grandfather, Rev. Edward E. Domke. Ron and Leah have been members of Ezekiel Lutheran Church for decades, where Leah served in many roles. If her sons were interested in something, Leah moved every obstacle to ensure they were given the chance to pursue their happiness and passions. The River Falls Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts knew the Gavin family well for many years, which will be cherished memories for her family. Leah & Ron were instrumental in both Ben & Tim achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, just as her father Seth did in his youth.
Ron and Leah took many trips to see relatives including the Domke’s, Speerstra’s, Gavin’s, and Kealy’s. Often, Leah & Ron found a way to carve out a connection to their family history as well as American history no matter the destination. A treasured retreat for Leah has been the canoe trip down the Namekagon River with family & friends. TMany people can recall a time they saw Ron & Leah riding around River Falls in one of the multiple restored Model A’s automobiles. When at home, Ron & Leah are known as a safe spot to land. Thanks to the pool installed in the 1990’s, Ben & Tim can recall numerous summer days spent having friends over for shenanigans with Leah looking on with pride. No matter how long it had been since Leah had seen you, she greeted everyone with a hug and a smile.
There are three humans on this earth that have the honor of calling Leah by her most valuable title: Grandma. In 2009, Tim married the love of his life, Sarah (Johnson) Gavin. Together, Tim & Sarah have three children named Davis, Eloise, and Sylvia. Leah’s ultimate joy in life came about in those moments with her grandchildren. Whether reading them a book, doing a craft, baking a dessert, or teaching them life skills – Leah could not get enough. She was as invested in her grandchildren as she was as a mother: always there with love. The family will carry on many traditions that are rooted in Leah’s influence: the annual pumpkin carving night, Halloween trick or treating, building gingerbread houses, passing the Christmas stockings, and races in the swimming pool followed by eating corn on the cob on the deck. Leah found joy in showering her grandchildren with love, gifts of affection, encouragement, and family mottos, including “always save room for dessert”. She had great pride in the fact that her grandchildren are all baptized (wearing the family heirloom of a bonnet crocheted by her grandmother Amelia Domke) and know the love of Jesus Christ.
Leah died on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 surrounded by family at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her departure to Heaven was an echo of her lifetime here on earth. Those who love her will find comfort in the belief that she was greeted with the grandest welcome of family, friends, beloved pets, and thousands of kind souls she has blessed with her care. May Leah Gavin rest in peace and live on in our hearts for eternity.
Leah is survived by her adoring spouse, Ronald Gavin, sons Benjamin Gavin, and Timothy (Sarah) Gavin, sister Judith (Tom) Brosz, in-laws Nancy Gavin, Tom (Karen) Gavin, Jerry Gavin, Andrew Gavin, and Eugene “Gene” Gavin. Leah will live on in her grandchildren: Davis, Eloise & Sylvia. Leah will be missed by an extensive list of uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her chosen family of Freeman Drug.
Leah is preceded in death by her father Seth, mother Irene, and infant siblings as well as her in-laws Joseph & Katherine Gavin, brother-in-law Daniel Gavin, sister-in-law Karen Gavin, and sister-in-law Diane Gavin.
All services for Leah Gavin were held at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, including a visitation on Monday, May 5th from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral services and ceremonies to celebrate the life of Leah Gavin on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 with a second visitation from 10am to 12pm and funeral service at 12pm. A luncheon was held after the services. A private burial will be held at a later date for the immediate family.
Memorials preferred to the following organizations that meant something to Leah & her family: Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix County; Croix Valley Chordsmen; Ezekiel Lutheran Church Mission to Haiti; and Animal Ark Minnesota.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
64 Comments
Leah was the most sweetest, generous, loving person you could know. She shared her time, talents and resources for so many good causes. She was deeply interested in the health of all those who had their prescriptions filled at her pharmacy, Freeman Drug. River Falls will not be the same without her.
One of my best friends, she was like a sister to me. We sat beside each other at church in OUR pew. Leah was a loving and gifted person who was very active in church and was still practicing her profession as a pharmacist even though she was trying to retire. I will miss her so much and I pray for her family who have suffered such a tragic loss. RIP Leah until we meet again.
We are saddened to see this, Leah was always so kind & helpful. She will be missed. Our sincere condolences to all her family & friends..
Leah was a true servant to all of God’s family. She was always kind and caring. She will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Leah’s passing away. She was a kind and lovely person to know. Very caring of her community. She will be missed by many. Condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.♥️🙏
I’m so saddened to hear this. I considered Leah a second mom when I was growing up being great friends with Tim. My sincere condolences to you, Ron, Ben, Tim and family. She was a wonderful person and have fond memories of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Leah was a very sweet caring lady who did so much for our community. I met her years back and all through my many medical issues she was always there to assist with the tools of her trade.
She will be deeply missed by our city. RIP Sweet lady.
Leah was just an amazing human and an amazing soul. She was a pillar in our small community and was such a resource for all. Everyone that had prescriptions filled by Freeman’s knew she cared for each and everyone one of us like family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I wish her family and friends lots of strength during what must be a difficult time. Thank you for all you did for my family, myself and everyone in our community, Leah. You will never be forgotten.
Leah was so wonderful to our family and I will never forget her wisdom and kindness. My thoughts and prayers to her family❤️
To Leah patrons were considered family and you got the meds but also a piece of her heart
It is heartbreaking that Leah is no longer here. She was such a reassuring figure in the community, and made me glad to live in River Falls, where you could absolutely trust your local pharmacist. Such a big void she leaves in our lives!
Both of us will miss her very much. Leah filled our prescription s, gave us immunizations, kept flawless records and showed sincere care and compassion. Our sympathies to her family. We will remember her smile.
When God made Leah, He then threw away the mold. A more loving and caring person cannot be found. She cared for everyone like family.
Leah was the most loving person who cared for everyone like family. She went out of her way to help — no matter how big or how small our need. Leah was a very special friend who will be missed dearly. She leaves a hole in River Falls that may never be filled again.
Leah: I we will miss a wonderful lady!
Compassionate only begins to describe her legacy. Keeping your family in prayer. God bless you all.
The loss of learning of Leah’s passing is heartbreaking her kindness and wisdom made such a difference to people her and Ron were there for me when .y.husband passed , sending my deepest condolences to Ron , Tim, and Ben, God bless you!
We have complex prescription needs and Leah and Freeman Drugs were always there for us. There’s a million reasons why she was citizen of the year a few years back. So sad – we will greatly miss her.
Such a sweet sweet lady, always giving of herself. She will definitely be missed.
It’s hard to find the words to describe Leah’s otherworldly kindness. She was a true example of God’s work. From her ongoing and seemingly endless volunteer efforts to being a compassionate mentor for her many employees, she was a shining light to all who had the privilege of her time. It’s heartbreaking that she’ll no longer be on Earth. Still, may we all take solace in knowing her presence will never fade thanks to the many lives she touched. Thank you for everything, Leah.
Leah was a gracious and tireless mentor for many students in the Biology and Biomedical Health Sciences at UWRF, students whose goal was to work in medical fields in the future. She took many under her wing and taught them to serve people with graciousness and compassion. She will be sorely missed.
What a loss! She was the kindest and most caring person. So personable. Words can convey my deepest admiration of her. Love and prayers to her family and Freeman Drug family.
Leah will be missed by so many, she was truly the most compassionate person I have ever known. My condolences to her family, the Free Clinic and her Freeman Drug staff.
Leah was one of the most important River Falls people in my eyes, a beacon of intelligence and compassion. This is such a shock. I wish her family peace in the wake of losing her.
Leah was truly a blessing to our community. We grieve her passing, yet know that she is at peace in the arms of her Lord.
Leah is a huge loss for River Falls. She touched countless lives with her kindness,
compassion and loving ways to all she came in contact with. We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to Ron, Tim and Ben in their tremendous loss of Leah who was so special to them.🙏
Leah is a huge loss for River Falls. She touched countless lives with her kindness,
compassion and loving ways to all she came in contact with. We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to Ron, Tim and Ben in their tremendous loss of Leah who was so special to them.🙏
Leah was such a gentle soul and easy to love. It’s difficult to face the fact she’s no longer with us on this journey and yet faith in Jesus reassures me I’ll see her again. My sincere condolences to Ron, Ben and Tim and all those who knew and loved her. Peace and love.
Prayers and my deepest sympathy to Leah’s family. We were best friends when the family lived in Hudson.. Many fond memories with the Speerstra girls
I am so sad to hear of Leah’s passing. She was so kind to me and my late husband during his illness. She was very knowledgeable about his medications, and always took time to talk. This is a huge loss to the River Falls community.
Heartfelt sympathy to Leah’s family. She will be missed by so many people!
Leah was a true gift to this community. She loved this place and we loved her. Her generous compassion, tireless work ethic, loving kindness and humble faith are her legacy. May she rest in God’s strong care.
Very well spoken sir! I totally concur.
I agree with everyone who has posted. I loved her , compassion, joy, giving heart, her work at the free clinic is how we met. I have scripts from freeman drug over ten years. I loved her smile, knowledge, to be treated like family from our small town pharmacy was priceless in my growth. I will miss you Leah, till we meet again. Heaven gained another angel
Leah was One in a million. Always ready to help those who had medical needs, and questions. She was so.kind and caring .
She will definitely be missed by many. We were shocked to hear of her passing….
she was the best grandma ever, kind and caring, the kindest soul. she loves eveyone and her last day was doing what she loved, family reunion, big Easter feast,kids playing in her yard,church. she was loved and she loved more.miss you grandma
very well said. I am so sorry for your loss.
In the late 60’s, early 70’s, I worked at Freeman’s and Leah became a friend. She definitely helped make Freeman’s a great place to work. My wife and I rekindled that friendship with Leah and Ron when our visits to RF became more frequent as my mother got older.
My sister, Paula, and I credit Leah’s professional and personal attention as a major reason Evie kept her independence and ability to live in her home until the very end. Leah was always willingly available with sage advice, extensive professional knowledge and moral support. Mom actually listened to her which wasn’t always the case with the rest of us! You will be sorely missed by a multitude of folks and not just in the RF area. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ron and the boys. Please take what comfort you can in the fact that Leah will always be with all of us who she blessed in so many ways. Thank you Leah for being such a kind friend!
My prayers are with Leah’s family during this time of great loss and sadness. She was such a gift to River Falls and all that she served and cared for.
Leah was always willing to help others. She was kind and patient. She was able to answer my questions simply and throughly. She will be missed by so many people.
I’m so sad to hear of Leah‘s passing! Through difficult health issues myself Leah has always been there with her knowledge and compassion, leading the way through the hardest times! I can’t even begin to describe my love and admiration for her! She was always there to lend an ear Or give a hug. I know exactly where she is right now… Right there in heaven, where she belongs! Rest in peace, dear Leah! Condolences to her entire family.
Although I never had the chance to meet such a special lady, I know her family was very important to her. She loved her sons and daughter in law and her grandchildren. I’m sure her husband and family share a deep pain at this time. Please hold on to your happy memories of her until you can be together again .
Sarah, Tim and the Gavin children you are in my prayers.
Leah was a true servant leader whose unwavering faith, compassion, kindness and dedication leaves a lasting mark on our community. Her selfless service and steady presence touched countless lives and she will be deeply missed. May Leahs’ example continue to inspire us all. Heartfelt sympathy to the family.
We are so saddened to hear the news of Leah’s passing. She was such a huge presence in the community and in her family. We send deepest sympathies and prayers to Ron and to the rest of her family and friends.
How hard to imagine River Falls without Leah Gavin in it. She worked so hard for us all. Thank you to Ron, Ben, Tim, and all for sharing her with this town. I will so miss her wisdom and her joy.
We were so lucky to have Leah with us the many years she served our community. She was a bright star in our firmament. I would often thank her for her advice and for being there for us, but I could never thank her enough. She would shrug off praise in her modest way as if it were extravagant, but it wasn’t. Heart-felt praise for Leah.
To Ron and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. We will greatly miss Leah. We send our love to you all.
To Ben: Ben, I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom. I know how lonely and lost it can feel, especially for one so young as you. Please let me know if there is any way I can help. Love to you, Jackie
Leah was a remarkable person!! II’s about the tiny selfless acts of kindness that show your community that you are thinking of them and that someone wants to help make their day just a little bit better.
Here’s one Leah-memory that stands out for me: I go into a crowded Freeman Drug … busy workers, lots of customers patiently waiting their turn, and there sits Leah up on her “perch” … also busy but finding a moment to look up and smile before returning to the task at hand. I feel lucky to have known her.
We all will miss Leah. Deepest sympathy to her family and colleagues at the pharmacy.
I miss you, Leah. Over the years, you were there for all of us. Your commitment to medicine and good health and exercise created part of your legacy. However, your kindness outweighed everything. Thank you for being you. We all miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of Leah’s unexpected passing. She was such a kind and caring person. She will be missed by all. Sincere sympathy to her family and to her co-workers at Freeman Drug.
So very sorry to lose such a lovely person. My sincere condolences to all who loved her. She will be missed greatly.
What a beautiful obituary for a special person! I will miss Leah greatly. She was an important member of our community, doing so much for so many of us. Our family has counted on her for years. My sympathies to her family, and everyone at Freeman Drug. 💔
Beautiful obit and comments . She was a beautiful person. Will be missed
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Such a Beautiful Person. Always helping others. You will be missed by so many.
Who knew that such a giant in the community could come in such a small package?! She was an amazing ambassador for River Falls. She embodied all that is good about living in River Falls. As a Christian, she not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. She is an example for all of us to follow.
I will miss her smiling face at Freeman Drug and around town. She was so warm hearted and I felt she truly cared for my well being and the communities welfare. I came in with the flu and she handed me a sleeve of masks for my friends and family. She was amazing.
Incredible, passionate human-being, and a true loss to not just River Falls but the surrounding communities. Condolences.
Leah was always thought of with high regard and gratitude in our home – heartfelt condolences on behalf Erica Satre, Linda Satre and myself.
Tim & Sarah:
Please know I am thinking of you as you say your final farewells to a woman who so significantly impacted your lives and the lives of your children! Sending a big virtual hug!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Leah was such a wonderful person, and I will always remember the time when I first met her at the Free Clinic we butted heads as she was giving me my meds I was a little impatient as I have issues to certain meds, adhd, but that was at least 10 years ago. I have been going to Freeman Pharmacy since 2015 or so. She treated everyone like family no matter where she was. She gave me lots of inspiration to do allot things. From medication to my divorce, traveling, places I’ve been, the community , family life.
I shall truly Miss Her, I loved her back with many little tokens of love like, she loved Norman Rockwell and I found a whole tote of plates and brought them to her. She was so excited. I won’t forget her SMILE, her generosity, Love, commitment, to every human she met.
I love Freeman Pharmacy and the FANTASTIC STAFF , and send everyone I know there for, medication, otc stuff, great advice, even local author’s Books.
Gentle, kin
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