Dennis Leaf

Dennis R. Leaf, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. Dennis was born on November 24, 1942, in Glendive, Montana, to parents Raymond Leaf and Florence (Medboe) Leaf. He spent much of his childhood in Glendive before moving to Idaho Falls on December 20, 1957, at the age of 15. He attended Idaho Falls High School while working at Levine’s and playing his tuba in the marching band. He graduated in 1961 and then attended ISU from 1961 to 1963. While there, he met his future wife, Kay Pied, a fellow student from Twin Falls. Dennis and Kay married in Twin Falls in 1964. After settling in Idaho Falls, they had 3 children: Katrina, Jennifer, and Daryl. He found his career at INL for 40+ years, retiring as a Senior Reactor Operator in 2008. He had a deep love of camping, especially at Priest Lake and the Oregon Coast. He also had a love for Craftsman tools and woodworking.

Dennis is survived by: his wife, Kay Leaf, his daughter, Katrina McPherson (Jamison Crump) of Denton, Texas, his son, Daryl Leaf (Tiffany) of Ammon, eight grandchildren, Joshua Gott (Brittany Tobin) and Jeremy Gott of Idaho Falls, Julianna Hansen and Jakob Hansen of Shelley, Braden Leaf (Kristen Hardy) of Blackfoot, Kendan Leaf of Ammon, Madison McPherson and Nicole McPherson of Denton, Texas, two great grandsons, Payton Tobin and Parker Tobin of Idaho Falls, his sister, Lori Backstrom (Les) of Idaho Falls, son-in-law Kyle Hansen of Shelley, former son-in-law Adam Gott of Pocatello, sister-in-law Dee Ann Stanger of Logan, Utah, and brother/sister-in-law John and Becky Novosel of Pocatello, and many nieces and nephews plus numerous extended family.

He was preceded in passing by his daughter, Jennifer Hansen, a sister, Lynn Leaf Price, his parents, Raymond and Florence Leaf, and his niece, Gretchen Backstrom. He was well loved and will be greatly missed.

The service will be held on Friday, August 15th at 11 a.m. at New Day Lutheran Church, 270 N. Placer Ave. Idaho Falls, ID. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the New Day Lutheran Church or the local soup kitchen.