Lester "Les" H. Burkhart Jr.

Lester’s services will be livestreamed below starting at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Lester “Les” Harold Burkhart, Jr., age 90, passed away June 13, 2026 at SMP–St. Catherine’s South, Fargo, surrounded by family.

Les was born on August 2, 1935, to Lester and Hannah (Gosbeth) Burkhart in Cando, ND. He graduated from Cando High School before enlisting in the Army Reserves and later becoming a farmer.

Les married Patsy Forberg on March 30, 1958, and together they had one son, Marty. Les was widowed in 1960. He later married Dorylee “Dory” Larson on October 22, 1961, and together they had two more sons, Kendal and Tad.

Together, Les and Dory cultivated not only their land while farming and trucking but also a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and plenty of adventure. For over ten years, they embarked on over-the-road trucking journeys, exploring various places, and making memories. Later retiring and spending summers on Devils Lake, ND and wintering in sunny Mesa, AZ.

Les had a special passion for hunting, fishing, and enjoying anything outdoors, and took great pride in passing those passions on to his boys.

Les is survived by his children Marty (Tari) Burkhart, Kendal Burkhart, and Tad (Tanya) Burkhart; grandchildren Kevin (Blake Bendel) Burkhart, Derrick (Jaime) Burkhart, Alyssa Weber, Joshua (Alynn) Burkhart, and Lily Burkhart; great-grandchildren Logan, Owen, and Layne Burkhart, Vincent and Arianna Burkhart, and Issac and Hannah Weber; brother, Robert Burkhart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Patsy; his wife Dory; and siblings Vivian Christiansen, Phyllis Welch, and Larry Burkhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sanford Hospice, Alzheimer’s Research or a charity of your choice.