Leslie Roach

Leslie Roach, 89, Wheatland, ND passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 in a field on the farm.

Leslie was born on July 10, 1928 in Fargo, ND and was raised and lived his entire life on the family farm. Leslie was the son of Fletcher and Maud Roach and was the youngest child.  He was preceded in death by his siblings; Russell, Genevieve, Alma, Ila, Grace and Frances.

Leslie was baptized, confirmed and married in the Methodist Church. Leslie and Audrey McLean were married March 26, 1949 in the Wheatland Church and moved to the Roach farm. They were the parents of 4 children. Leslie now was a member of the Casselton United Methodist Church. Leslie was so happy to be on the building committee for the present church building.

   Leslie served on numerous boards, church, school, Wheatland Township, Wheatland cemetery and was a 4-H leader, director for Bremer Bank, director for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, director for Farmer’s Housing Administration, ASCS committee member and was a member and past master of the Casselton Masonic Lodge.

   Leslie was named National Corn Growers top membership recruiter 13 consecutive years. He was an initial member of the Hall of Fame recruiters for the NCGA in 2005.

   Leslie and his wife Audrey received the Rotary diversified farming award in 1977 and the NDSU Cass County Harvest Bowl Award in 1997.

   Leslie is survived by his wife, Audrey, three children, Ron (Nadine) of Fargo,  Brian (Lisa) of Wheatland and Karen of Casselton, ND, daughter–in-law Julie of Moorhead; grandchildren, Neal (Jen), Kevin, Tim (Danielle), Laura (Michael), Andrew (Ariel); three great grandchildren, Paige, Austin and Kennedy, 4 nephews and 2 nieces. He was preceded in death by his son Robert.

LESLIE LOVED FARMING.

Memorials are suggested to the Wheatland Cemetery or the Casselton Ambulance or a place of your desire.

Visitation: Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 from 5 to 6 PM with a prayer service at 6 PM at the Casselton United Methodist Church.

Funeral: Saturday at 11 AM at Martin’s Lutheran Church, Casselton with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Wheatland Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

A Man Who Loves The Soil

I think a man who loves the soil,

Who bends above the fertile earth,

And plants the seed with calloused hands

Must be a gentle man of worth.

A man who cherishes the sod

Must surely be a friend of God!

I think a man who loves the soil;

Who nurtures every growing thing,

And watches with expectancy

For nature’s fruitful harvesting,

Who oft has plowed the lands he’s trod,

Must be a partner to God.

I think a man who loves the soil

Finds happiness in rich supply;

Though toil he must to earn his bread

He reaps much more than wheat and rye,

For with each little grain or pod

He cultivates a faith in God