LeRoy Deitz

LeRoy J. Deitz, 71, Little McDonald Lake, near Perham, MN, passed away peacefully Monday, May 26, 2003, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo with his family by his side. LeRoy, the son of Joseph and Anna Deitz, was born on November 7, 1931, in Grand Forks, ND. LeRoy married Ruth A. Kobe on October 20, 1956, in Ardoch, ND. They made their home and started their family in Grand Forks, ND. LeRoy and his family moved to Fargo, ND, in 1970 where they lived for the next 21 years. In 1991, LeRoy and Ruth moved to their current residence on Little McDonald Lake. LeRoy grew up in Grand Forks, ND, where he graduated from Central High School in 1949. Upon completion of a telegraphy program in Minneapolis, MN, LeRoy began a long career with the railroad in 1950, working out of Grand Forks. As a result of a railroad merger, he was transferred to Fargo in 1970, where he worked for the Burlington Railroad until his retirement in October 1993. LeRoy enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1951. He served a 4-year term in the Air Force, including a tour in Korea, as a gunner aboard an Air Force bomber. He was honorably discharged in 1955, with the rank of Tech Sergeant. In 1970, LeRoy joined the North Dakota Air National Guard and continued his service to his country for the next 20 years. He was honorably discharged in 1990, with the rank of Master Sergeant. During LeRoy?s military service he was awarded the Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Air Force Commendation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forced Reserve Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Devices, AF Longevity Service Award with 4 Devices, National Defense Service Medal, North Dakota Service Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. LeRoy had many interests and hobbies. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to hockey games, and working in his yard and garden. LeRoy?s greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ruth; his children, David (Christie), Austin, TX, Kevin (Brenda), Moorhead, MN, Linda, Belton, TX, Ken (Jill), Fargo, ND, Karen (Shawn) Rife, Vandenburg Air Force Base, CA; and seven grandchildren, Greg, Chris, and Joe Deitz, Jenny and Pat Deitz, Nathan and Samuel Rife. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, LaVerne and Veronica. Friends may join the family in visitation at the Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND, on Thursday, May 29, 2003, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo, ND, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2003, (visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m.). Burial will be held in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Fargo, ND. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.