Lauren Leighton

Lauren was born in Virginia, MN, the youngest of five children born to Benjamin George Leighton (Leuchtenberger) and Susan Louise (Purdy) Leighton. His childhood was spend mainly in Wisconsin, graduating from Baraboo High School before entering the U.S. Air Force. Following active military service between 1953 and 1957, Leighton studied at and graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Indiana University.

Dr. Leighton taught Russian language and literature for thirty-five years at several universities, retiring as professor from the University of Illinois in 1997. He held Fulbright grants and received several other prestigious academic fellowships, grants and awards during his career. He was author, editor or translator of nearly ten books and he published several dozen academic articles.  Dr. Leighton lived for most of his retirement in Madison, WI with his second wife, Svetlana Gorbacheva-Leighton, a musician and concert director.

Survived by sons, Denys Leighton (Sudeshna Mazumdar-Leighton) and Jamie Leighton; first wife, Hera T. Leighton; nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.

Memorial preferred to benefit Alzheimer's research.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 05:00 AM - 07:00 AM

Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel 15800 37th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446

Thursday, January 21, 2016 02:00 PM

Sunset Memory Gardens Chapel 7302 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI