Dr. Roger Leopold
March 23, 1937 ~ September 9, 2015
Dr. Roger Leopold, 78, Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, September 9th, 2015, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.
Roger Allen Leopold was born March 23, 1937 to Hazel and Alvin Leopold in the family farmhouse built by his father outside of Redwood Falls, MN. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1955. He studied Biology at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he was also an all-star wrestler and football player. He graduated in 1962. He then enrolled at The University of Montana, Bozeman and earned his PhD in Entomology.
For 44 years, Roger worked as an entomologist for the United States Department of Agriculture. His influential research in cryopreservation led to developments in freezing techniques that are used for pesticide control and human tissue preservation. He published numerous scientific articles and book chapters and traveled internationally to present his research. In 2014, Roger received the Alumni Achievement Award from Concordia College in recognition of his significant contribution to science.
Roger was married to Judy (Becker) Arneson for 21 years; they had two boys. He married Dana (Bologna) Leopold in 1988. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dana; two sons, Darin and Derek (Carrie), both of West Fargo, ND; three step-daughters, Amy (Martin) Schulting, Minnetonka, MN; Jennifer (Troy), Lakeville, MN; Nancy Pitsenbarger, Bloomington, MN; and 13 beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Howard (Carolyn), Mound, MN; Harlan (Candy), Chanhassen, MN; Keith (Darla), Wahpeton, ND; Mary (Peter) DeWolfe, Merrifield, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Alvin Leopold.
Visitation will be Friday, September 11, 2015 at 6pm at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. The funeral will be Saturday, September 12 at 11am, also at Olivet Lutheran Church.
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Such a loss for so many that knew and respected Roger for all the accomplishments. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family and we regret being unable to join you in the celebration of Roger’s life.
Roger, you will be missed by so many people. You have always been willing to listen to any stories, successes and challenges, even though you had many stories of your own. You always said the right thing without judgement. I am truly honored to have know you and been a part of your amazing family.
Dear Dana, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. I remember all the good times we had, Roger was the life of the party. Sorry I can’t make it for the services, but you will be in my prayers. My love and sympathy. Gloria Bougie
Dana and Family,
We are so sad to hear about the loss of Roger. The world is a small place and brings people with common connections together. Howard and Carolyn are dear friends of ours in Mound. Howard spoke so highly of Roger and was so proud of his accomplishments. Not long ago, I asked Howard about Roger and if he was interested in bugs as a kid. After growing up with the Pitsenbarger girls in Fargo, it was fun years later to hear about their lives through our connection with the Leopolds. It was fun to see those old pictures of the “Boys and Mary,” as Howard tells so many fun stories about his family he loves so much.
Praying for you as you grieve the loss of a wonderful man!
Kevin and Jill (Fellman) Borg
Mound, MN