Rick Lebahn

Hello Darlin’ ~ Hearing this, one knew Rick Lebahn had arrived. It is unknown when he first began using this greeting though, rumor has it, he was overheard greeting his nurse upon his birth.

Rick Raymond Lebahn, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the age of 74, surrounded by his family at his lake home near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

Born on May 16, 1949, in Valley City, North Dakota, Rick was the son of Raymond and Lila (Pollert) Lebahn. He grew up in Griswold, North Dakota, where he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rick was an adventurous young man, operating Gay-Le-Rick Construction with his friends during his teenage years. He graduated from Litchville High School in 1967 and went on to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from North Dakota State University, graduating in 1971.

On August 17, 1968, Rick married his “First Wife”, the love of his life, Marilynn Bowen, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Griswold. Their love and bond were unbreakable, and together they built a beautiful life. Rick dedicated over 45 years serving the community of West Fargo as a Farmers Union Insurance Agent, earning numerous state and national awards. In 2016, he retired and permanently moved with Marilynn to their lake home on Lake Lida.

Rick's strong faith led him to be an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he found solace and community. He was also a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in West Fargo and a member of the Valley City Eagles. An avid Bison fan, Saturdays were spent tailgating, before NDSU football games. The past 15 years, he and Marilynn took advantage of the Bison’s numerous championship games, beginning their “snowbird” adventures in Frisco, TX. By March, Rick was ready to begin the trek home and prepare for summer guests and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.

Rick will forever be remembered by his loving wife of 55 years, Marilynn; his “#1 Son”, Shane (Tami) Lebahn; his ”Favorite Daughter”, Keela Salisbury, and her friend Ben; his beloved grandchildren, Alexandra, Riley, Gavin, and Koral; his brothers, Randy (Colleen) Lebahn and Trent (Wendy) Lebahn; his sister, Gayann (Ron) Van Bruggen; his sisters-in-law, Barbara (David) Brown and Beverly (Mike) Beethe; his brothers-in-law, Bill Bowen, Charles (Sheree) Bowen Jr., and Cole Conley, as well as his numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lila Lebahn, and his sister-in-law, Colleen Conley.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating the remarkable life of Rick Raymond Lebahn. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church on Franklin Lake near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; we encourage you to share your stories! Additional visitation will take place one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church on Franklin Lake near Pelican Rapids. Pastor Anna Monke-Gervais will officiate the service, paying a heartfelt tribute to Rick's life and legacy. Following the service, Rick will be laid to rest in the Zion Columbarium, near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Great Plains Food Bank, two causes holding a special place in Rick's heart.

Rick touched the lives of everyone he met with his quick wit, larger-than-life presence, kind heart, and unwavering faith. He will be greatly missed and his memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him.