Leonard
Bengtson, 76
Middle
River - Leonard Bengtson, 76, died on
Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at his home in Middle
River.
Funeral
services were held on Saturday, May 3 at First
Lutheran Church in Middle River with the Rev. Mary
Gaebler officiating. Linda Sparby was the organist
and Greg Daley was the soloist. Casketbearers were
Newell Ueland, Ron Ueland, Brian Bengtson, Troy
Taggart, Greg Bengtson, Devere Chapman, Chris
Ueland and Clayton Troskey. Interment was in First
Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River.
Leonard
W. Bengtson was born on April 5, 1927, the son of
Bernarth T. and Inga Sophia (Bjorgaard) Bengtson,
on the family farm in Marsh Grove Township. He was
baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Church in
Newfolden. He grew up and attended Blackberg
Country School, finishing eighth grade at Charlie
Nelson School. He served in the United States Army.
On March
15, 1953, he married Sandra Searle on the Searle
family farm. The couple made their home on the
Searle family farm, where they farmed and cared for
Sandra's parents. Later, they purchased the farm,
where they have since resided. Leonard served on
the Spruce Valley Township Board and also was a
member of the American Legion in Middle River. He
loved farming, driving the combine and deer
hunting. He especially loved spending time with his
wife and family and was the grandchildren's biggest
fan.
Survivors
include his wife, Sandra of Middle River; children,
Wallace (Bonnie) of Middle River, Monica (Dan)
Carlson of Litchfield, Tami (Jim) Pautzke of Grove
City, and Steve (Jackie) of Warroad; nine
grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters,
Bernice Ueland and Darleen Chapman, both of
Newfolden; brothers, Vernon (Lois) and Lloyd
(Leanna), both of Newfolden; sisters-in-law,
Maureen Searle of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Marge
Bengtson of Newfolden; and many special nieces and
nephews.
Leonard
was preceded in death by his parents; brother,
Arnold; a brother-in-law, Clark Searle; and two
nephews. A00003B2003MY07
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