Denise Rae Leitz, age 68 of New Ulm died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Scott Oelhafen officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Fort Ridgely Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Monday at the church prior to the service.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Denise is survived by her daughters, Jody (Paul) Krause of Plainview, Crystal Meier of Phoenix, Arizona; her son, Joshua (Lee) Leitz of New Ulm; her 15 grandchildren; and her brothers, Thomas Firle of New Ulm, and James "Jim" (Lynette) Firle of Elk River.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Denise Rae Firle was born January 13, 1958, in Fairfax to Howard and Ruth (Evers) Firle.  Growing up in southern Minnesota, Denise attended Dr Martin Luther High School in New Ulm where she was a 1976 graduate.  Denise later moved to Wisconsin where she was blessed with three children that she helped raise in East Troy, Wisconsin.  She worked the majority of her life in retail, and after moving to New Ulm in 2007, she was most recently working at Kwik Trip until her retirement.  Denise was merciful and deeply loyal to those she loved. Life was not without its struggles, but she met each one with quiet strength and determination, always finding a way forward. Her deep faith in Christ guided her life and was a gift she intentionally passed on to her children and grandchildren. That faith shaped the way she loved others, offered forgiveness, and extended grace.

She had a natural ability to make people laugh and was rarely seen without a smile. Denise was grateful for her family, and nothing brought her greater joy than time spent with her grandchildren. Sometimes the simplest moments meant the most, a drive through the countryside, good conversation, and being together. She was a wonderful cook, happiest when feeding the people she loved. A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, she cheered faithfully each season. She always carried a love for farm life in her heart and treasured her trips to Door County. In the end, she was especially thankful to have settled in New Ulm, a place that truly felt like home.

Denise will be remembered for her kindness, her steady faith, her sense of humor, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so fiercely and in the faith she so faithfully shared.  Blessed be her memory.     Mvfh.org