Gail Marie (Askegaard) Leikas

Gail Marie (Askegaard) Leikas, 77, of Fargo, passed away at her home on February 18, 2026. Born to Marvin and Harriet (Evert) Askegaard on January 13, 1949, in Fargo, ND. Gail spent her early years growing up around Comstock, MN and the family later moved to Hickson, ND. A 1967 graduate of Kindred High School, Gail was inducted into Kindred’s Viking Hall of Fame for her fast pitch softball skills. Gail continued her education at NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND.

Thanks to introductions from mutual friends in Kindred (they know who they are), Gail met Vernon Leikas. They tied the knot on March 13, 1970, in Grand Forks, ND. The couple farmed near Michigan, ND from 1970 to 1989. Along with raising her boys, Gail was active in the community as coordinator of the Nelson County Queen pageants and worked at the Lofton Johnson Store in Lakota, ND. In 1989, they moved to Hickson, ND and continued to farm. Retiring in 2005, Gail and Vern made their home in Fargo, ND.

Gail loved the number 13, watching sports, making quilts and cooking wonderful meals and sweets for her family. She was a great cook!! Gail’s friend groups met often at TOPS, book club, lunch and to plan their next travel adventures. She enjoyed cheering on the NDSU Bison and was a TeamMaker for years. Family and friends know her love of Elvis was truly special and she enjoyed many trips to GraceLand. Her collections of rings, jewelry and shoes are impressive!

Gail leaves behind Vern, her husband of (almost) 56 years; their children, Jesse James (Gina) Leikas and Casey Clark Leikas; grandchildren, Chastin (Chance Jepson), Landon, Jalen and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Emmett; her sister, Peggy (Reg) Rezac; brother-in-laws Leonard (Sandy) Leikas and Keith (MaryLee) Leikas; sister-in-law Gloria (Steve) Taffee; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ray Askegaard, sister-in-law Pat Askegaard, father and mother-in-law Raino and Goody Leikas.