Leonard A. Birkeland

Leonard A. Birkeland, 96 a lifelong resident and farmer of the Lake Region passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, in the loving care of family and Hospice.

On March 5, 1926, Leonard Alvin Birkeland, son of Oliver and Myrtle (Anderson) Birkeland was born in Devils Lake ND. He grew up on the family farm and spent his entire life there. He graduated from Central High School with the class of 1944.

Leonard worked on the farm, worked with great uncles and as a man still in his late teens, began farming on his own. He was united in marriage to his beloved Marie Royland on July 12, 1953, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake.

They were the typical farm family of the times. Raising cattle, milking cows, tending chickens and pigs as a way to put food on the table and provide for his family. He farmed the land, tended the soil he was blessed with for 85 years. Leonard could fix anything and everything. He was a good farmer and a good mechanic.

Leonard was many things, but there was never any doubt that he was a devoted, faithful, and caring husband to his precious Marie. He was the best Dad, an awesome grandpa, great grandpa, and great great grandpa. He taught them how to farm, how to fix and mend anything, He taught them a good work ethic and to always take care of each other and anyone who needs a helping hand. For thirty plus years, he and Marie were the welcoming smiles, waves, how you are doing voices at the White House Café. They were Grandpa and Grandma to all the staff at the restaurant.

Leonard served on the South Minnewaukan Township Board and the Zoning Board for many years. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, looked forward good fishing weather and just spending time at the lake.

Leonard left to everyone who knew him a legacy of love and caring for family, friends, and strangers. The tender, loving care he gave to Marie was a witness to so many. He will be greatly missed, never forgotten.

A special thank you to Kim, Patti, and Amanda and Kim for the love and care given to Leonard over these past months.

Leonard’s loving family include his wife Marie of nearly 69 years; daughter Kathy and her husband Tim Kraft; son Kevin “Cowboy” and his wife Kim all of Devils Lake; grandchildren Jill Vassen and Sara (Adam) Bachmeier, Cody Birkeland (Amanda), Blaine (Brandi) Rau and Lindsey (Jeremy) Swanson; many great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sister Florence Hoistad, Dickinson, ND; brother-in-law Marvin Royland of Virginia and several nieces, nephews and their families.

He was reunited with his parents, grandchild Jennifer Kraft Swanson, great grandson Coltan Swanson, sister Verna Somers and other dear brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Monday, June 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Funeral Services will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery.