LeRoy Bernstein

leroy bernstein
LeRoy George Bernstein, age 86, Fargo, died Wednesday, January 4, 2017 in Sanford Medical Center Fargo. LeRoy George Bernstein was born on May 16, 1930 to Alfred and Katherine (Jasken) Bernstein in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from Columbia Heights High School in Columbia, MN in 1949, he started to work in heavy equipment and structure moving. He entered the service on November 26, 1951 and served six months in the Army before being injured. He received a medical discharge and after returning home continued in the moving business. On November 6, 1954 he married Kathleen Davidson at St. Edward’s Church in Minneota, MN. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Amery, WI where LeRoy tried his hand at turkey farming. The Bernstein family moved to Spring Lake Park, MN in 1958. In June of 1965 the Bernstein’s moved to Fargo, ND where the family would stay. LeRoy formed Valley House Movers, Inc. with partner Larry Heyd in 1967. He continued Valley Movers, Inc. with his two sons in 1987. In 1988 he was elected into the State Legislature. He retired from the moving business in 1997, but maintained his legislature seat and in 2001 he became Speaker of the House. He continued serving in the legislature until 2006. After his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife and grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Mark (Ginger Meyer) Bernstein Fargo, ND; Michelle Bernstein, Fargo, ND; Kimberly (Gary Lakie) Barstad, South Haven, MN; Timothy (Cindy) Bernstein Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Teresa Ulmer, Tiffaney Meyer, Natalie Meyer-Bernstein, Tabitha Meyer, Kylee Barstad, Connor Barstad, Christina Barstad, Thomas Bernstein, Andrew Bernstein; great grandchildren: Jasmine Meyer, Javon Anderson, Ryker Ulmer, and Ryder Barstad; siblings, Alfred Bernstein, Minneapolis, MN; Janet White, Rogers, MN; James (Arlene) Bernstein Fridley, MN. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and his sister Audrey Bernstein. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m., Sunday January 8, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center Fargo. Visitation will continue from 1-2 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 2 p.m., Monday January 9, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery North.

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  1. So sorry to learn of Lee’s death. He can now join Kathy in eternal rest. Lee was an outstanding member of the ND House of Representatives serving as Speaker of the House. But most of all he loved his church, moving work, his employees, his friends and especially his devoted family. Sincerely, Donna Nalewaja

  2. Sending you a ton of love and hugs. LeRoy was a man of integrity and honor….and you have to look no further than your family to see proof that he lived what he believed. Your love for him and your devotion to each other lives on. Nothing like Dad-Love!

  3. I will always remember the great talks that LeRoy and I had at the state capitol during the legislative sessions. He was a great man and fantastic friend.

  4. So sorry to hear about Leroy, he will not only be missed by his family but by the community as well. He left his mark with a beautiful family to carry on where he left off. We will always remember the good times we had at Mexican village when you all came in as a group he was always so kind an sweet it didn’t matter even if we messed up the order or not. There is a saying Remembering him is easy missing him is a heartache that never goes away. Our sympathy an thoughts are with you all . From all the staff at MEXICAN VILLAGE

  5. What a wonderful man to work for and I had a great time delivering cookbooks and having chili in his home.
    Wonderful memories..

  6. Leroy was a wonderful man, he always made everyone that visited there home very welcomed it fact you were only a visitor for a short time, because the whole Bernstein made you a part of the family. Growing up as teenagers most of the kids that came to the Bernstein house called Leroy and Kathy Mom and Dad so the list of survivors is inaccurate because we were all there kids. You be missed by all of us.

  7. I fondly remember LeRoy from my early days at NDSU, working on the Bernstein, Berg and Nalaweja campaign. He was such a kind and gentle man – and I remember seeing he and Kathy together and thinking they were such a great match. Sending sympathies to the Bernstein family – and hoping you find peace that your parents are together again.

  8. Lee was a kind, gentle man….I always admired him and was so happy when he became a State Senator. He and Kathy were a great pair, and I know he never quite got over her death. Happy that they are together again! Love and prayers to all of you who called him “Dad”.

  9. Our condolences to the family. LeRoy and Larry moved our house for us back in 1983. Valley Hose Movers did an awesome job for us and we are still in the house today. God Bless you all. Prayers are with you.

  10. Love and prayers for the family of LeRoy. I will be with all of you in thoughts and prayers. May the great memory of LeRoy, live on in your hearts. He was a great man. So sorry for your loss.

  11. Mark & Tim,

    Sorry we could not be there for the Prayer Service or Funeral but our thoughts are certainly with you.

    You both were in involved with the Pelican Lake project – in taking that job on I had as one of my conditions that Valley Movers would be the mover with LeRoy in charge. The owner agreed and you guys got the job done. LeRoy was the best – easy to work with and he certainly knew his business. I never worked with a better person in my 35 years with Olaf Anderson & Son Construction Company. May God Bless!

    Blessings,

    R. Tracy Myers, Retired President
    Olaf Anderson & Son Const. Co.

  12. My deepest sympathy to you and your families. Mark and Tim, I enjoyed working with you and your Dad’s company for many years. May happy memories of your dad fill the coming days. May he rest in peace.

  13. Mark I am so sorry to hear about you dad passing. Sending you hugs and prayers and know my thoughts are with you. Colleen Tuff

  14. Mark and Tim and all the rest of the Family: Le Roy was a great mentor and leaves behind you all to keep the legacy going that he and Kathy started. Its a beautiful thing that him and your mother are reunited once again and may the Lord wrap his arms around the rest of you and hold you through the next few days years or months to get through the sadness. May God Bless you all you are a beautiful family, Terri Nelson Gilbertson

  15. I remember LeRoy well from his legislative service during the time I was a student at NDSU. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.

  16. To all the Bernstein family
    We were your neighbors on 10th street. We lived at 1411. We didn’t get to know your family very well but we were always right there when election time came and yes I do have your little recipe books. My husband passed away in 2009 and I don’t live on 10th street anymore. I do send my condolences to your entire family with Gods Blessing may he comfort you to eternity.

  17. I served in the state legislature when Leroy was Speaker of the House. He was always the gentlemen. Such a nice man. So sorry to hear of his passing on. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  18. so sorry to hear about Leroy great guy enjoyed working around him and his boys and company, my thoughts and prayers go out him and the whole family, Blake Wrigley

  19. Tim

    My thoughts are certainly with you , Unfortunately I understand there is nothing in this world that could ever
    prepare us for losing a parent. All we can do is take one day at a time one step at a time and keep breathing. I wish you and your family well at this turbulent time in your lives. Blessings to you all


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