Leslie Milligan

Leslie “Les” C. Milligan, age 78, passed away on April 8, 2026. He was born on June 24, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, five minutes after his twin brother, Lyle. They were the sons of Milford and Delane (Jacobson) Milligan. He attended grade school at Grace Lutheran School and Ben Franklin Jr. High School and, alongside his twin brother, was part of the largest graduating class in Fargo Central High School’s history.

Raised in Fargo, Les developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors at a young age. In the early 1960s, he was a Forum newspaper route carrier. During that time, he was selected as Young Columbus VII, earning a trip to Europe, where he traveled for 13 days through Switzerland and West Germany. He was also known to occasionally recruit his twin brother and younger sister to help deliver papers on cold, snowy days, a memory that still brings a smile.

Les worked as a receiving clerk for Fairway Foods for 28 years, where he later retired.

Les valued community and friendship. Alongside his beloved friends, Steve Christianson and Julie Sauvageau, he proudly sponsored local softball, supporting and encouraging those around him. As a hobby, he enjoyed photography and captured many graduation and wedding moments. He was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 7564 in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Les had an adventurous spirit, which led him to Rapid City, South Dakota, to expand his hunting experiences. Hunting was one of his greatest passions and brought him immense joy throughout his life. Known for his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm, if you had a question about hunting, Les always had an answer or helpful advice to share.

While in Rapid City, he became a school bus driver for elementary and special needs children, later serving as a para on the bus. After dropping the children off at school, he enjoyed breakfast with his beloved friends while waiting for the school day to end.

Les found peace in the outdoors, whether on a hunting trip or simply taking a walk and enjoying nature. His love for the land and the simple pleasures of life will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving siblings, his younger sister, Joyce (Milligan) Weible and her husband, Charles, and his younger brother, Kenneth Milligan and his wife, Kathleen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Delane (Jacobson) Milligan; his twin brother, Lyle Milligan; and his great-nephew, Jacob Weible.

Celebration of Life: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026.  West Funeral Home, 321 Sheyenne Street, West Fargo, ND, at

Burial:  2:00 p.m. Thursday, Fargo National Cemetery, located at 8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20, Harwood, ND 58042.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leslie Milligan, please visit our floral store.