Leslie Wayne Dingwall

Les passed peacefully December 17th, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Community in Albert Lea, MN. He was 93 years old.

Les was born on his parent's ranch near Grassy Butte, ND. He grew up on the family ranch and attended the one room school nearby through 8th grade, then went off to Killdeer to High School where he boarded during the week and went home only on weekends.

Les was drafted into the Army and served 2 years, part of that time in Germany, where he learned about radio transmission and electricity. He then put that knowledge to use, going to work for Montana Dakota Utilities, first in Dickinson, ND, then transferring to Ellendale, ND. Les worked his way up from lineman to foreman and retired after 37 years.

Les married Loretta Jantzer on February 5th, 1959. Together they raised 3 daughters Sandy, Karla, and Connie in Dickinson and Ellendale, ND. Their second year of marriage Les borrowed a camper and took the family camping. And so, it began.... Les and Loretta purchased the first of their many campers and the adventures began. In addition to camping on the weekends, most years there was a big trip in the camper. Sometimes a week or two or even three weeks at a time. Exploring the western United States was always an adventure, panning for gold, going to caves or concerts, there was always something new and exciting to see or try.

You could never take the rancher out of Les. When they moved to Ellendale, he bought a hobby farm. Starting with just a few bottle calves from the salebarn, he started his herd of cattle. Tending them and putting up hay nights and weekends slowed the camping down a bit. But he was back to his roots. Shortly after retiring he sold his herd so they could do some traveling.

By the time Les retired, they had graduated to a 5th wheel camper. They took off with it across the southern part of the country that first winter, from California across to Tennessee. They liked AZ and ended up spending 15 years wintering in Bullhead City, AZ.

Les loved being with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Every summer Les and Loretta traveled to southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa to spend time with everyone. These trips usually involved some time at the Freeborn County Fair and card games with the family. In 2023 Les and Loretta moved from Ellendale, ND to the Good Samaritan Community in Albert Lea to be closer to family.

Les is survived by his children Sandy (Dave) Schweich, Karla (Larry) Larson, and son in law Joe Kabrud, his grandchildren Kelci (Zach) Ringham, Scot Kabrud, and Sara Kabrud, and his great grandchildren Lynzi Ringham and Laynie Ringham.

Passing before Les was his wife, Loretta Dingwall, his daughter, Connie Kabrud, grandchild Madison Kabrud, his parents, Harry and Ureta Dingwall, his sister Arlene Anttila and his brother-in-law Stan Antilla.

We will miss him dearly. The family would like to especially thank the staff at Good Samaritan Retirement Community and Moments Hospice for their continued care and support for Les.

The Celebration of Life and burial for Les Dingwall will occur this spring during the month of May. An official location and time will be posted in the Ellendale and Albert Lea newspapers and on the Bonnerup Funeral Home's website closer to the event.