Leonard L. Widiger

Leonard L. Widiger, 88, passed away March 16, 2023, with his wife of 69 years at his side, at Angel Home Health Care on Menlo Street in Mesa, AZ.  A celebration of life for Leonard will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, Fessenden, North Dakota.  Pastor Shirley Teske will officiate and burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Fessenden, North Dakota.  Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, North Dakota.

Leonard Lee Widiger was born Nov 10, 1934, to Paul and Pauline (Bender) Widiger in Delger Township, North Dakota. He attended school at Bowman Country School and Fessenden High School. April 4,1953, he married Beverly Owen. They farmed outside Fessenden until 1980 when they moved into town for the last time.  Leonard purchased a number of businesses over the years and was active with the Fessenden Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in fundraising for the community swimming pool in Fessenden.

He enjoyed league bowling, playing pool and cards. He was very proud of his vegetable garden and was happy to share his produce with family and friends. In later years he was very active with the VFW #7968 in Apache Junction.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Beverly; four sons, Gary, William (Laverne), Rodney, Keith (Mary); two daughters, Betty Widiger and Mary (Troy) Martin; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Marlys Olschlager; nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl; sister, Ella Gebhard; daughter-in-law, Tina Widiger, and infant daughter, Linda.

 A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4pm, Friday, April 14, at Fountain of the Sun, Poolside Room, Mesa, AZ with burial at Hillside Cemetery, Fessenden, ND, this summer.