LeRoy Sandahl

LeRoy Arvis Sandahl was born on February 27, 1934 at home in Clitherall, Minnesota.  His parents were the late Leonard and Nora (Anderson) Sandahl. LeRoy was baptized and confirmed at Nidaros Lutheran Church. LeRoy graduated from the Henning High School with the class of 1951. He served in the US Army from January 1955 to December 1956. He continued to serve in the US Army Reserves for six years. LeRoy graduated from NDSU in 1961, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

On December 20, 1958 LeRoy was united in marriage with Loris Jensen at Nidaros Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with 3 sons. LeRoy was employed over 30 years in Civil Service, the last 25 at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Taking an early retirement in 1989, LeRoy and Loris moved closer to LeRoy’s family in Ottertail County, where he did not slow down. He was a volunteer driver for the county for many years, receiving an award from the Governor of Minnesota for his dedication. LeRoy was a long-time member of TOPS, earning many awards including “Walking Across Minnesota”, and the “King for Minnesota 2017”.          

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was chosen for the once in a lifetime opportunity to harvest a moose in North Dakota. Most of all he loved riding his three-wheeler around the trails he groomed on his farm. He loved bargains and was an avid couponer, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was an excellent cook and made breakfast for his sons every day before school. His famous French toast and fried summer sausage will always be remembered. He even made special breakfasts for his pups over the years. No one left his home hungry. LeRoy will always be remembered for his many sayings, “Be careful, the hospitals are closed”, “Don’t bump a deer!”, “Better to be kind than right”, “Be sure to follow the recipe, you don’t want a dud!” and “Stay on the trails, the trails are your friend”.      

On November 8, 2018 LeRoy passed away at the Good Samaritan Society in Battle Lake, Minnesota at 84 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant brother; brother, Irvin Sandahl and grandson, Brian Sandahl.              

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Loris Sandahl of Henning; 3 sons:  Lonny (Lilian) Sandahl of Larimore, North Dakota; Landy (Andrea) Sandahl of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Lenn (Stephanie) Sandahl of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; 3 grandchildren: Victoria Gooch, Kallan Sandahl and JB Sandahl; 4 great-grandchildren: Pheobe Sandahl, Layla Sandahl, Aubrianna Gooch and Dax Gooch;  3 sisters: June Silbernagel of Billings, Montana; LaVay (Larry) Wallevand of Henning and LouAnn (James) Peterson of Henning; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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