Gail Marie (Askegaard) Leikas
January 13, 1949 ~ February 18, 2026
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Gail’s service will be livestreamed and viewable directly below starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026:
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.
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, February 28, 2026 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Saturday, February 28, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Gail Marie (Askegaard) Leikas 's name.
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Thoughts and prayers to Vern and the Leikas family. I have fond memories of softball Sunday’s with Gail cheering us on.
I am still in shock with my good friend’s passing. She was a true friend, a fun and very caring person. I will miss her deeply. Sympathies to Vern and family.
Gail was so full of life, laughing and having fun! She was such a thoughtful woman, sending cards with her own special touches. She will be missed.
My condolences & prayers go out to Vern, Jesse, and Casey and their familes. I used to babysit for Gail and Vern. Gail was a very kind and caring. Gail even did my hair for my moms wedding my hair looked like my moms. Take comfort in her memories and know she is watching over you all.
Steve and I send our healing thoughts and comfort. Gail’s love and laughter will live on in us.
Deep peace at this difficult time.
Many fun times growing up together in the class of ’67. I’ll miss her humor and her many notes over the years.
Truly sorry for the loss of Gail Leikas. To the rest of the family, with a heavy heart – you have my deepest sympathy and prayers as you are going through this trying time.
Rest in peace, my friend
My heart was so sad when I read of Gail’s passing. Please she will be missed by many. She stopped by on my birthday last year and gave me a pair of Halloween socks. What a sweetie.
It broke my heart to hear this news. Gail has a special place in my heart!! Such a beautiful smile and great laugh. I have wonderful memories. My deepest condolences to my friend Vern, Jesse, Casey and families.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one of so many years.
Memories will help🌷
My condolences to my friend Vern and the entire Leikas family, it made me very sad to hear that Gail had passed away.
I spent two of my best years of my life working for the Leikas family on their farm in Michigan ND 1981-82. They provided housing for me and fed me lunch every workday, and I’m forever grateful for them making me feel like a family member.
Vern and family, I am so sorry to read that Gail has passed away, she always sent Christmas cards early, enjoyed reading about her talents and bragging about her grandchildren, she will be missed by many. Vern you were BLESSED all these years, may God hold you in his arms forever.