Leo Sitter
June 25, 1930 ~ May 16, 2011
Leo Sitter, 80, died May 16, 2011 at Porter Hospice in Centennial, Colorado.Mr. Sitter was born June 25, 1930 in Rugby, North Dakota to Joe and Barbara Sitter. He graduated from Towner High School, class of 1948. He attended Minot School of Business and was employed in Minot by Pacific Gamble Robinson in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and his service included being stationed at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In Albuquerque he met and married Genevieve Grace from Brooklyn, New York and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1955.
He returned to North Dakota and to Pacific Gamble Robinson until he began working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota in an Employer Group Sales position in Williston late in 1959. In thirty years with The Blues, Leo Sitter originated the first employer group sales of dental and vision benefits, sold and managed the first National Account, prepared the firm's first Corporate Marketing Plan, and was the prime mover in designing the company's first Comprehensive Major Medical Plan.
Mr. Sitter joined the Knights of Columbus and Williston Toastmasters and was an active parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Williston, Holy Family in Grand Forks, Nativity in Fargo and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale, Arizona. A supporter of Catholic education in Fargo, he served on and at one time led the Shanley High School Board. He was active in the Germans from Russia Society of Arizona and very much enjoyed his membership at the Fargo Country Club.
His first wife Genevieve passed away in 1976. After retirement in 1989 he became a 'snowbird,' spending winters in Scottsdale, Arizona and summers in Fargo. He enjoyed golfing, reading, and dancing in retirement. In Arizona he met Delores Pederson from Crosby, North Dakota and they were married at Nativity in Fargo in 1992.
He is survived by Delores (Scottsdale and Parker, CO); his sister Jean Sitter, a Sister of Mercy (Omaha, NE); sons Joe (Cary, NC), Jim (Minneapolis, MN), Pat (Sioux Falls, SD); daughter-in-law Melody (Sioux Falls, SD); step-daughter Valli Jo Pederson (Parker, CO); step-son J. Corey Pederson (Towner, ND); sister-in-law Margot Sitter (Fairfax, VA); several nephews and nieces; and grandchildren Jessica, Austin, and Carson (Sioux Falls, SD). In addition to his first wife Genevieve he was preceded in death by a young daughter Barbara Ann, his parents and his brother Jerry Sitter.
In late Fall or Winter a Memorial Service will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sisters of Mercy, 7262 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68124.
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Eagan MN
I was sorry to read of Leo’s death. You are in my prayers. May God grant you strength, peace, and comfort.
MOORHEAD, MN
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT LEOS PASSING. HE WAS ALWAYS A POLITE PERSON & VERY SOFT SPOKEN,I WORKED CLOSELY WITH HIM AS I WAS A SUPERVISOR IN UNDERWRITING- WHICH I HANDELED THE APPS , HE & THE OTHER SALESMEN SOLD . I ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Fargo ND
With the passing of those close to us, it also brings opportunity to reconnect with relatives again. Coming together to celebrate Leo’s life did just that. Discussions of ancestery were very interesting and per Joe, his research will be shared. We are very interested in receiving the family tree information. Thank you
Conifer COMy thoughts and prayers are with all the “Sitter” family today. May the Lord be with you and give you comfort and peace.
Shelia
Devils Lake ND
I was saddened to hear of Leos passing, he was a man of values and honesty, he will be missed. I always knew I could depend on Leo to traverse the “halls” of Blue Cross, he took care of all of us in the Hospital business. To his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Fargo ND
JoAnne and I were saddened to hear of Leo’s passing. I remember him as a top-notch professional, dedicated to his work and the company’s mission. He was greatly missed after he retired. I learned much from Leo about Blue Cross Blue Shield and the work he did for his clients was always exemplary. He was a mentor to many of us. I will always remember his heart-warming smile and positive attitude. – Larry Gauper
Oconomowoc WII was so blessed to have Leo Sitter as my Godfother. I was so saddened to hear of his death. I have beautiful memories of Mr Sitter. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
I will be with you in spirit on May 23rd as you lay him to rest.
God Bless,
Colleen Barth Vanderkolk and Kevin Vanderkolk
Wayzata Minnesota
– Delores, we are so sad to read of Leo’s death – We were checking with OLPH to see if they knew or had heard from or about you – I thought you were going to Denver to find out about YOUR lung situation – how is that? did not realize Leo was so near death – we are so terribly sorry and send our love and many prayers to you to strengthen you at this sad time – do keep in touch and let us know how you are – Helen @ Leo Hauser
Mesa AZ
Delores
We have fond memories of the times spent with you and Leo. We think of him as someone that we really enjoyed knowing. He was a joy to be with.
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Ed and Doris Bischoff
I had the privlege of knowing Leo.While being VP of sales and marketing for BC/BS of Ariz I had the opportunity to interact with Leo on several projects.I always found him to be most gracious and helpfull.May GOD bless his family..
Fargo ND
Jan and I were saddened to hear of Leo’s passing. Our condolences go out to Delores and family. We considered Leo and Delores as very good friends. We very much regret not being able to attend his funeral as a previously scheduled event will take us out of state on that date.
Jan and Don Johnson
Phoenix ArizonaI had the pleasure of knowing Leo for years in Scottsdale and loved teaching him the game of golf. He will be missed and was a true gentleman. Stay strong Delores. God speed.
Son City AZ
I don’t think we had met Leo. If he was a German from Russia, he must’ve been a good guy ! Our Condolences to the family.
Gerald & Clare Mertz
Chandler AZ
Dear Delores and family:
Although we have known Leo only for a short time, he will be missed by all of us who have had the pleasure to work with him on behalf of AHSGR. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sel and Margaret Dockter
Alamo ND
A sad morning to learn of Leo’s death. So many wonderful memories of good times together.
Scottsdale AZ
Leo was a kind and gentle man. He always had a smile and I loved the way he took care of Delores. He will be missed
Park Rapids Minnesota
Dear Delores, Joe, Jim, Pat & Sister Jean, We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Leo. We have so many memories of good times together with all of you in Fargo & at Round Lake. Leo & his easy smile will live on in all who knew & loved him. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Fondly, Phyllis & Eric
Chandler AZ
Dear Delores and family,
I send my deepest sympathy to you. Leo was a great man and a dear friend. His insight and support of people was a delight for me to watch. I enjoyed my time working together for the Arizona Sun Chapter. Leo was always positive and shared great ideas. His style and friendly manner shall be greatly missed.
All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski
Jacksonville FloridaI am Patricks co-worker. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the entire Sitter family. Cherish the memories.
Fairfax VAWe offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to our Uncle’s family.
We truly wish that we could be there but know that we are there in spirit and are sending love and hugs all around.
May you all find comfort in the fact that Grandma and Grandpa and our dad where there to greet him.
Our love is with you, always,
Margot, Deb, Steve, Sergio, Cyndee, Erich, Christoph, Reese and Torin
Fargo ND
I was a receptionist at Leo’s dental office 15 years ago. I remember Leo always came in with a smile on his face and a sunny disposition! You have lost a treasure, but then I don’t need to tell you that!
Riverside RII am so grieved at the passing of my oldest nephew and am sorry that my wife and I are not able to attend the services. I can imagine Leo up in heaven looking down fondly on us all.
Wishing comfort to all of the family,
Freddie & Anita
Richmond VirginiaWe are so very sorry to hear about Leo’s passing, Delores. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Michael, Eileen, Chase and Aidan Smith
Henrico Va.Dear Delores & Family,Leo will be greatly missed as he was a very special and sweet man. We always enjoyed his company whlie staying in N.D
. all summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. love Barb & Wally
Columbus ND
Aunt Delores,
Our prayers are with you today and always. We loved Leo, his compassion for people and children, his wonderful smiling nature and his ability to make everyone feel so warm and welcomed. We will cherish the memories of the times we were lucky enough to visit with you both. He was a wonderful man and a gentle spirit. Know that he is smiling and at peace and well again. There are no words enough to express our sympathy but know that he will be so dearly missed especially by Kayleen and Joshua and Scott and I. We love you Uncle Leo and God bless you. We will miss you!
Love karen, Scott Joshua, kayleen Kihle
Scottsdale AzToday is bittersweet as we have lost a dear and precious neighbor and friend with Leo and yet we celebrate his arrival home with his Savior. Your faith was so evident when you spoke of your confidence of your future and your love for God. We have been so blessed to have had Leo and Dolores winter in our neighborhood making some great memories together from dinners, to charity galas to some special Xmas Eve parties.
Most of all we have loved the warmth and genuineness we found in their marriage and friendship. May God wrap his arms around Dolores and may His comfort sustain her . Leo – the sky was much brighter tonite upon your arrival in Heaven.