Bob Lefor

DICKINSON - Bob Lefor, 80, Dickinson, passed away Sept. 14, 2011, at St. Benedict's Health Center, Dickinson. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. MDT Monday, Sept. 19, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with the Rev. Jeff Zwack celebrating. Entombment will be in Dickinson Mausoleum.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, and will continue from 3  to 4 p.m. MDT at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with a rosary and prayer service being held at 4 p.m. MDT.

Robert "Bob" Lefor was born March 4, 1931, in Glendive, Mont., the son of Frank and Catherine (Willer) Lefor. He grew up and attended school in Glendive, graduating from high school in 1949. He went on to attend Dawson Community College, graduating with a degree in business. Bob enlisted in the Montana National Guard, where he achieved the rank of master sergeant. On Sept. 5, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Carol Matthew in Bozeman, Mont. To this union five children were born; three sons, Mike, Greg and Todd and two daughters, Dianne and Susie. In 1951, Bob became assistant manager for JCPenney in Glendive, later transferring to Bozeman in 1955. The family moved back to Glendive in 1957 when Bob began to manage Gambles Department Store. In 1958, the family moved to Dickinson, where Bob started DCI Credit Services, Inc. He managed and served as president from 1958 to 2002. In 2002, Bob retired, continuing to make Dickinson their home.

Bob was president of Friars Club of Dickinson which held an annual charity ball. The event later evolved into The St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center Charity Ball. He served as chairman of the American Heart Association, Dakota Affiliate, and from 1984 to 1996 was a member of the board of directors of the American Collectors Association. Bob won many industry awards including the I.F.C.C.E., which is the highest award given in the collection industry.

Bob was the president of the Associated Credit Bureaus of North Dakota and Minnesota. He won the International Leadership Award for the Associated Credit Bureaus, the highest award given in that industry. Bob started the auction and co-chaired the Mardi Gras Auction Committee along with Paul Bosch. He was president of the Dickinson Golf Association (1970-1986), being instrumental in taking the Heart River Golf Course from a nine-hole course to an 18-hole course. For several years, Bob served as municipal judge for the city of Dickinson. He offered his services as a member of the God's Share Appeal Committee for the Diocese of Bismarck. Bob was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and chairman of the usher committee.

In remembering Bob, he had a great sense of humor, was very quick-witted, loved to make people laugh and never teased anyone he didn't like. One of his best attributes was his ability to give generously. He was shown the need for education in Kenya, where he funded the building of a new elementary school that he named "The Carol School" in honor of his wife.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carol; three sons, Mike (Sherryl) Lefor, Dickinson, Greg (Beth) Lefor, Lititz, Pa., and Todd (Jennifer) Lefor, Fargo; two daughters, Dianne and Susie Lefor, Dickinson; a sister, Marilyn Cullen, Billings, Mont.; and six grandchildren, Brett, Scott, Andi, Christopher, Sarah and Joshua.

The family suggests memorials to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, 30 W. Seventh St., Dickinson, N.D. 58601.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.