Jerald Leiseth
Jerald Arthur Leiseth was born Jan. 15, 1938, to Olaf and Juliette Leiseth at his maternal grandparents’ homestead northeast of Arnegard, N.D. He was raised in the Farland community along with his older brother Olaf Leiseth, Jr. When his brother was old enough to go to the Farland grade school, Jerald was sent too. He was the youngest in his graduating class at Watford City High School in 1955. He was confirmed at the Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton for a year. His training in welding and mechanics served him well.
Growing up, Jerald worked on the farm and had many adventures both riding horses and driving teams. He always had a deep love and understanding of horses, especially draft horses.
Jerald married Janice Johnson of Watford City on June 7, 1960, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. They were true partners in all the farm and ranch work and had 64½ years together. They raised two children on the farm and taught them to love and respect the land and livestock. Joy was born Nov. 3, 1962, in Frankfurt, Germany, while Jerald served in the Army. Jason came along March 28, 1964.
Jerald was proud of his military service. He was trained as a medical corpsman and earned the Expert Rifle M-14 designation. After his honorable discharge in 1963, Jerald, Janice, and Joy returned to Watford City. Jerald worked at Ray’s Standard Service Station and soon moved to the Arthur and Julia Smesrud homestead. This was his maternal grandparents’ farm where he was born. He spent the rest of his life building and improving the farm and was proud of its North Dakota Centennial Farm status. He was happiest when working side by side with his family. He highly valued honesty and a strong work ethic. He usually had a smile and a funny story for whomever he encountered. He was a humble and kind person, a very hard worker, and someone who was always reliable.
Jerald was a very proud and involved grandpa and had lots of opportunities to teach the kids about farming, horses, cattle, and haying. He had high standards and expected his family to always do their best at whatever they tackled.
In later years, Jerald rebuilt many wagons, boxes, and spring seats. Each of his kids and grandkids have a wagon and box that he restored for them. Going for a wagon ride with Grandpa and the team of draft horses was always a special treat.
Jerald served on the McKenzie County Fair Board, was a 4-H leader, served on the board of the Heritage Park in Watford City, and was a long-time member of the Long X Wagon Train.
Jerald passed away March 5, 2025, at Hilltop Home of Comfort in Killdeer, N.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Palma Johnson; father-in-law, Ray Johnson; brother, Olaf Leiseth, Jr. and his wife Alfa; brother-in-law, Marshall Bergerud; and special niece Tammy Pederson.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter, Joy (Dale) Patten and their children Kendra (Lane) Patten and Austin (Kia) Patten; son, Jason (Peggy) Leiseth and their children Erick (Fallon) Leiseth, Brady Leiseth, and Tyler Leiseth; great-grandchildren, Banks and Lenni Leiseth; sister-in-law Myrna (David) Wollan; sister-in-law, Belle Bergerud; and many nieces, nephews and cousins that he cared for deeply.
The family recognizes and thanks the outstanding staff at Legacy Lodge and Hilltop Home of Comfort in Killdeer, N.D. where Jerald resided for the last 3½ years.
Funeral Services for Jerald were held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Watford City, N.D., with Minister Matthew Rolfson officiating. A luncheon followed the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Jerald was laid to rest with Military Honors in the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City, N.D. The Visitation was held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. and one hour prior to services at church. Memorials may be made in Jerald’s name to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation or the Heritage Park and Oil Museum. The service was livestreamed directly on Jerald’s obituary page on their website. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D. is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.