William J. Leier • 1925 - 2005

William J. Leier, 79, rural Velva, died Wednesday, February 2, 2005, in his home.

William was born December 16, 1925, in Strege Township, McHenry County, Balfour, ND, the son of John P. and Sophia (Schmaltz) Leier. He was raised and educated in the Balfour area.

He was previously married to Marie Duchsherer, they were married on June 20, 1949. In 1955 they purchased the farm south of Velva, where he farmed and ranched until 2003 when he retired. William helped his brother John Leier farm for many years. Following retirement he continued to live on the farm and remained active in the farming operation.

William was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge and Eagle's Aerie. He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his flower beds. He also enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors, and loved reading his daily newspapers & various magazines.

Survivors: Sons, William "Billy" Leier, Minot, Leslie (Lynette) Leier, and Bruce (Sherrie) Leier, all of Velva; daughter, Carleen Leier and her friend, Dan Lawrence, Bismarck; eight grandchildren, Chad (Melissa) Leier, Dustin Leier, Nathan Leier, Nicole (Michael) Kaylor, Travis Leier, James (Jen) Bilby, Justina Bilby, and Lyrissa Bilby; two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Nicholas Leier; sisters, Caroline Leier, Kent, WA, Madaline Mabin, Vancouver, WA, and Marlene (Ralph) Schuck, Stanwood, WA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sophia Leier; brothers, John and Mike Leier; sisters, Alice Duchsherer and Katherine Krumwiede.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, February 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot, ND

Visitation and vigil prayer service: Visitation will be Sunday, February 6, 2005 from noon until 5:00, with the vigil prayer service at 5:00 p.m., all at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Burial: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva, ND, in the spring of 2005.

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