Leeann Carol Astemborski

Leeann Carol Astemborski (née Burtz) passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 85.

Leeann was born on July 11, 1940, in Winner, South Dakota, to LeRoy and Florence Burtz (née Sterling). She lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, service to others, and professional excellence. Her kind and gentle spirit, quick wit, and generous heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Leeann was raised on the family farm in Nebraska with her older sister, Marilyn Estrada (née Burtz), and her younger sister, Karen Greenfield (née Burtz), who preceded her in death. She had fond memories of attending the one-room schoolhouse in Hay Valley and sitting in a mulberry tree, happily eating berries until her hands and face turned purple. Those early years on the farm instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work, family, faith, and the simple joys of life—values she carried with her throughout her life.

Leeann graduated from high school in Fremont, Nebraska, in 1958, where she was an active member of the marching band and discovered her passion for writing and journalism through her involvement with the school newspaper. She continued pursuing that interest while attending Phoenix College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Business in 1960.

Leeann built a successful and respected career in business administration spanning several decades. She worked for five years at Retsnes, Ely, Beck and Co., followed by 12 years as Office Manager at Sentry Pest Control. She then dedicated 15 years to The St. Paul Insurance Company, where she was recognized repeatedly for her excellence and professionalism. During her tenure, she earned Employee of the Month honors five times, was named Employee of the Year twice, and received Outstanding Employee recognition in the Files, Rating/Coding, and Accounting departments. She later spent three years with the Michaels/Wilder Group, continuing to demonstrate the strong work ethic, organizational skill, and dedication that defined her career.

In addition to her professional and family life, Leeann was deeply involved in community and leadership organizations. She served as President of Clock and Globe, was a member of the Iota Sigma Alpha Honorary Scholastic Society, served as a Camp Fire Girls troop leader, and was a member of Quill and Scroll. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, where she formed many treasured friendships. Leeann delighted in spending time with others. Her warmth, sense of humor, and genuine interest in people made her a cherished friend to many.

Leeann made her home in Glendale, Arizona, where she lived in the house she and her beloved husband, Boyd Anthony “Tony” Astemborski, purchased together before they were married. They met while cruising Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1963, beginning a love story that would span more than six decades and serve as a model of devotion, faith, and partnership for their family.

Leeann and Tony were married on May 2, 1964, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Their wedding was made especially memorable by a heartfelt family moment involving Tony’s father, Frank Astemborski. Although Frank was initially unsure about attending because of his Catholic faith, his love for Tony and Leeann won out. He came to the ceremony bringing rose petals, lovingly picked from blooms in his prized rose garden, to shower the newlyweds with instead of rice.

Following their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico, Leeann and Tony settled into their home in Glendale, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, laughter, and love. Leeann embraced her role as a mother, adopting Tony’s two children from his previous marriage, Boyd Anthony Astemborski Jr. (deceased) and Rhonda Louise Fitz-Randolph (née Astemborski), in October 1965. She cherished them as her own children, nurturing and supporting them throughout their lives.

Their family was made complete with the arrival of their daughter, Katherine Julene “Julie” Starke (née Astemborski), in 1968. Together, Leeann and Tony created a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another and to their children. Throughout her life, Leeann valued family above all else. She created a welcoming home and shared her love generously and consistently with those around her. Her family continued to grow and flourish through the generations.

Leeann especially treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She delighted in family gatherings, celebrated the accomplishments of each new generation, and expressed her love through encouragement, prayers, and countless acts of thoughtfulness. Some of her greatest joys were moments spent with family. Two of her favorites were the family’s annual stocking-stuffer party and, more recently, the family’s monthly game days, where love and laughter filled the room bringing everyone together. Her family knew they could always count on her steadfast support, wise counsel, and unconditional love.

A devoted member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Leeann’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. She lived her faith not only through worship, but through acts of kindness, service, hospitality, and love for others. She and Tony faithfully served two terms as Deacons, dedicating themselves to the care and support of their church family. She found deep joy in worship, especially in reading Scripture aloud and lifting her beautiful voice in praise.

Her service extended into children’s and youth ministries, where she taught Sunday School and volunteered alongside Tony in junior high and senior high youth groups, encouraging and nurturing young people in their faith.

Leeann is survived by her loving husband, Tony Astemborski; her daughters, Rhonda Fitz-Randolph and Julie Starke; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Rachel Richard (Lance) and their children Alex, Austin, and Emily; Lesley Hikichi (Hiro) and their daughters Reika Grace and Emi Faith; Anthony Fitz-Randolph (Kelly) and their children Kolton and Jackson; Kristopher Fitz-Randolph (Alexa) and their daughter Josephine; Julie Starke and her children Josiah and Jordan Astemborski, and Jordan’s daughter Freya; her sister, Marilyn Estrada; her beloved nephew, Gerard Doucette (Vic); as well as extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory always.

A private family interment service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

A Memorial Service celebrating Leeann’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in the afternoon at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Road, Goodyear, Arizona. A Celebration of Life fellowship will immediately follow the service at the church.

Family and friends are invited to attend. In honor of Leeann’s playful spirit and love of life, guests are encouraged to wear colorful clothing. Those who wish are also invited to share a favorite memory or story about Leeann during the celebration. Leeann loved flowers and the beauty they brought to God’s creation. However, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Christ Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully worshiped, served, and shared her love of Christ for many years.

Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and take comfort in knowing that she now rests in the presence of her Savior. They find peace in the assurance that she has heard the words she longed to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

May her memory be a blessing, and may the faith she lived so faithfully continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.