Leslie Allan Lanning

Leslie Allan Lanning, 81, New Rockford, N.D., formerly Cathay, N.D. and La Jolla, Calif., died peacefully Wednesday in Essentia Health, Fargo surrounded by his loving family.

Leslie was born October 20, 1929 at LaMoure County the son of Leslie and Alice (DeVoe) Lanning. He graduated from Cathay High School in 1948.  In 1948 Leslie was point guard for the Class C state tournament.  This team was the only team from Cathay that went to the State Tournament.  Leslie served in the North Dakota National Guard until entering the U.S. Army on January 16, 1951. He served in the Korean War and earned the UN Service Medal and was honorably discharged May 1, 1952. On June 2, 1957, Leslie was united in marriage to Bertha Vera Adam in San Diego, CA.  They were fully committed and cherished one another.

Before joining the Army Leslie worked at the J. E Miller Elevator Company in Cathay, ND.  After the Army he moved to Fargo, ND and drove city bus, and met his beautiful wife, Bertha.  Following their marriage, they lived in La Jolla, CA.    Leslie attended college in California and then worked at Goodrich in Chula Vista where he used his expertise in assembling airplane parts from February of 1964 until his retirement in March of 1999.

Leslie was very active with his wife in the Vermillion Club where he and his wife Bertha won many awards for their beautiful plants.  When Leslie became ill he had many caring care givers that cared deeply and will miss him very much.  One particular caregiver, Rhandy,  learned everything he could about Leslie and their favorite motto became “Army Strong, No Fear, Bring it on”!

Leslie and Bertha moved to New Rockford and entered Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in August 2010.

Leslie was an extremely devoted husband.  Leslie will be missed by his family and friends. He loved life and lived it with robust enthusiasm and great integrity.

Leslie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bertha; and many nieces and nephews whom loved him very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Gertrude Koushouski, two brothers, Paul Lanning, and Richard Lanning.

 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd Chapel, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM

BURIAL: Lakeview Cemetery, Cathay, ND (in the Spring)


Posted Condolences:

 

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Name: Jennifer Weigle

Date: 1/21/2011

Message: To my dear friend, my sidekick, ..we shared soo much time together, and for that I am so grateful. I enjoyed your sweet smile every time I arrived at work. You were always so good at making me feel like I was the most beautiful thing in the world, especially on the hard days. Our adventures, our laughs, our tears...I will cherish all of it. I love you...and for sure we will hang out in heaven. Keep your eye out for me. Rest in sweet peace!!

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Name: Harold Mertz Jr.

Date: Jan.21, 2010

Message: Betty and my prayers are with you Bertha. Hope to see you in the spring...Love Jr & Betty

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Name: Al Dietz

Date: Jan. 21, 2011

Message: You were my best friend from early on in grade school until the very end. Thanks for all the good times we had together and without your friendship my life would have been different. So long Les until we meet again.
Al Dietz

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Name: Jacqui McNally

Date: January 20th 2011

Message: My thoughts and prayers are with Bertha, and you, dear Dawn.
It was my pleasure getting to know Les, and indeed an honor to have been able to look after him all those months here in La Jolla.
The best thing he and Bertha did was to move back to North Dakota - to go back "home".

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Name: rhandy abad

Date: january 20, 2011

Message: les,
my friend thanks for the happy memories..i will definitly missed you.. you and bertha are always live in my heart.. my heart is your home..sayunara my friend see you again till next life..may the good lord take care your soul...i love you..