 Leslie John Vatnsdal
June 23, 1964 - May 31, 2008
Leslie John Vatnsdal, age 43, of Minot, North Dakota,
beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, died with
dignity at his home on May 31, 2008, surrounded by his loving
family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Les' smile,
strength, and fighting spirit inspired all who knew him as he
lived fully and appreciated every moment of his life.
Les was born on June 23, 1964, to Gene and Judy (Larson)
Vatnsdal in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He grew up in Grand Forks
in a home filled with the love of his parents, his two sisters,
Lori and Linda, and his brother, Jamie. He was an outstanding
marksman, an avid fisherman and golfer, excellent billiards and
pinochle player, a gifted leader, and an extraordinary man. He
enjoyed spending his time with family and friends, and this included
spending time at the farm, hunting, fishing, watching the UND
Fighting Sioux Hockey Team and the Minnesota Vikings.
Les was baptized and confirmed in St. Mark's Lutheran
Church, attended Kelly Elementary School, Schroeder Junior High
School, and graduated from Red River High School in 1982 all
in Grand Forks. Les attended the University of North Dakota and
graduated with a degree in Business Management in 1986, and went
on to use that well. He started his career in management, with
two years at Target before starting his twenty year career with
Menard's. He retired from Menard's in July 2007, due to complications
from his brain tumor. Les and his wife, Cory, moved several times
with Menards from Grand Forks, to Bismarck, to Minneapolis, MN,
and then Minot, North Dakota, where he was the store manager
since 1995. Les was involved in the Minot Builders Association,
Edison PTA, and several local pool leagues. He was currently
a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, Ducks Unlimited,
Pheasants Forever, the National Rifle Association, and the Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation.
Les met his wife, Corrine "Cory" Schirado
while they both attended UND. They were married August 5, 1989,
in Glen Ullin, North Dakota. Their son, Travis, was born October
17, 1996, and daughter Cassidy May 8, 2001. Les cherished his
bond with Cory, and they were blessed to share a marriage of
18 ½ years in complete happiness, love and devotion from
beginning to end. Their love for each other will carry on forever.
Les' greatest joy in his life was the time he spent adoring his
children, Travis and Cassidy. An excited, energetic father, he
showered them with love from the second they were born, spending
countless hours playing sports in the backyard, teaching them
about nature and farm life, attending swim meets and sporting
events, cuddling up with books, playing games, and thousands
of other special times they will remember and cherish for the
rest of their lives. Cory, Travis and Cassidy, along with the
rest of his family and friends, will miss Les always. He was
a wonderful husband, an amazing son and brother, a fabulous friend,
and the best, most loved dad there could ever be.
The world was a far better place when Les was in it.
He was the most kind and caring person you could ever hope to
meet, and his smile and gentle goodness touched the life of every
person who had the good fortune of knowing him. While he was
a man of integrity, quiet strength, amazing intellect, unbelievable
hunting and fishing talent, and accomplishments too numerous
to mention, he was incredibly humble and gracious, always looking
to share a smile, a handshake or a hug. We will miss Les' big
heart, great sense of humor, warm smile and sparkling eyes, but
we will carry him in our hearts forever.
Les is survived by his beloved wife Cory, son Travis,
daughter Cassidy, parents Gene and Judy Vatnsdal, Grand Forks;
sister Lori (Orman) Anafarta, Forest Lake, MN; sister Linda (Mark)
Keehr, Grand Forks; brother Jamie (Julie Molstad) Vatnsdal, Grand
Forks; mother-in-law, Eunice Schirado, Glen Ullin, ND and numerous
brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews,
and cousins.
Les was preceded in death by his daughters Taylor
and Katie, sons Cameron and Jaden, grandparents Theodore and
Josephine (Amma) Vatnsdal of Hensel, ND, grandparents Norman
and Hildegarde Larson of Grand Forks, ND and father-in-law Ernest
Schirado, Glen Ullin, ND.
Visitation:
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, North Dakota
Prayer Service:
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Grace Church, Minot, North Dakota
Funeral Service:
Thursday, June 5, 2008 10:30 AM
Our Lady of Grace Church, Minot, North Dakota
Burial:
Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Memorials:
Leslie and his wife, Cory, often discussed their desire to establish
a fund for individuals who cannot afford complex and costly treatments
available only at major medical centers away from home, including
expenses incurred from transportation, room and board, the loss
of wages, etc. Through the generosity of many, they were financially
able to seek such treatment for him, but were aware of many who
were not in such a position and needed the necessary funds. Cory
Vatnsdal had decided to bring that idea to fruition as a memorial
to her husband. Once the fund is established, details will be
published including a name for the fund. In the meantime, those
interested may send a donation in care of the Vatnsdal Medical
Assistance Fund, First International Bank & Trust, 1600 South
Broadway, Minot, ND, 58701.
Mass Participants
Father Gene Lindemann, presider and homilist
Father Bruce Krebs, concelebrant
Deacon Bob Dangel
Music
“We Remember”
Original song by Kevin Schirado
“Come to the Water”
“Amazing Grace”
“You Raise Me Up”
“O Loving God”
“Lead Me Lord”
Jennifer Goodman and relatives, vocalists
Kathy Borgen, Kevin Ternes,
John and Lindy Schirado, accompaniments
Honorary Bearers
Les’s Nephews
Jamie Vatnsdal Mark Keehr
Orman Anafarta
Rick Schirado Allen Schirado
Tim Schirado
Bruce Schirado Russ Schirado
Bryan Schirado
Kyle Schirado
Active Bearers
Al Woiwode Tim Vallely
Aaron Rust
Leroy Johnson David Humphreys
Don Gregoire
To sign the online guest register
for Les
To
view the online guest register for Les
To view the
outside of Les' folder
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the inside of Les' folder
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the outside of the insert to Les' folder
To view
the inside of the insert to Les' folder
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