Edwin Leno

Edwin William Leno, 86, Bismarck formerly of Tuttle, N.D. went to his heavenly home on October 3, 2008, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N. 26th Street, Bismarck, with Rev. Larry Giese officiating. Burial will be held at 2:30 PM on Tuesday at the Zion Langedahl Cemetery, southwest of Tuttle. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sunday and 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Monday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck with a prayer service on Monday October 6th beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Ed was born October 8, 1921, in Kidder County, N.D., the son of Jacob and Caroline Rivinius Leno. He was raised and attended school southwest of Tuttle. In his late teens he became part of the CCC building dams. Ed entered the Army during WWII and served 3 years and 7 months. He was part of the European, African, and Middle East campaign. He was awarded several accommodations, including the Bronze Service Star and Purple Heart. After the war ended, Ed farmed with his brother, William, 10 miles northwest of Tuttle. He soon purchased a farmstead 8 miles north of Tuttle. On November 24, 1946, Ed married Irene Preszler in Braddock, N.D. They were blessed with three children, Arnold, Calvin and Eileen. While in Tuttle, Ed was active on the English Lutheran Church Board, Tuttle Wildlife Club, Tuttle Farmers Elevator Board, and the Stewart Township Board. He was also a member of the Selective Service Board of Kidder County for over 20 years. Living along Highway 3, he would lend a helping hand to many stranded travelers or anyone who just needed help. Irene passed away September 20, 1981. Ed continued to farm for a short time; after 38 years he retired from farming and ranching. In December of 1983, Ed moved to Bismarck. On March 1, 1984, Ed married Gwen White in Mandan. Ed loved to stay busy and active. He assisted the Sergeant of Arms at the State Legislature during sessions 1985 and 1987. Ed also worked as a farm credit counselor for the State Agriculture Department in 1987 and 1988. Still not ready to retire, Ed went to work at Fort Lincoln State Park and soon was named head of the park’s maintenance department. Ed worked every day during the open season and mentored many young people that worked with him. In 2006, Ed was finally ready for retirement. His farm roots continued to call him back to help out at the family farm. Ed will always be remembered for his love of family and the special place he had in his heart for all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He looked forward to another great grandson to be born in Mid-October 2008. He will also be remembered for his hard work ethic and strong integrity. He enjoyed his “coffee buddies” and very seldom missed their daily chat. Being grateful to have shared in his life are his wife, Gwen, Bismarck; his three children, Arnold Nancy Leno, Bismarck, Calvin Jeannie Leno, Tuttle, and Eileen Daryl Rosenau, Bismarck; his step-daughter, Marya White, Eagan, Minnesota; step-daughter-in-law, Gail White, Rockwood, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Matthew, James, John Katina, and Wayne Leno, Melissa Kurt Schmidt, and Kristin and Kara Rosenau; and two great-grandchildren, Landon and Addyson. Ed is survived by four brothers, Jake, William, Harold, and Art; and two sisters, Tillie and Freda. He is preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his stepson, Jim White; his parents; his brothers, Albert, Adam, and Leo; and his sisters Clara and Elizabeth. Edwin’s legacy will proudly live on in the lives of his family.

Edwin Leno

October 8, 1921 - October 3, 2008