Marvin Leidal

   Marvin Francis Leidal, 84, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2022, at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whose lives he had touched in so many ways.

   Marvin was born on March 8, 1938 in Hunter, ND, to Walter and Lucille (Fralish) Leidal. He grew up on a farm and attended school in Hunter. In the first grade, he met Janice Kauth, and they spent a lot of time together playing the card game, Canasta. By their senior year of high school, they were officially “going steady,” as Marvin gave Janice his senior class ring. Janice would give him extra Whirly Whip (ice cream) at the drugstore where she worked, and they would often go dancing at The Barn in Arthur. He played basketball for the Hunter Hornets, and in his senior year, they went to the State Basketball Tournament for the first time in the school’s history. He graduated from Hunter High School in 1956. He went on to NDSU, where he worked towards his Bachelors of Education degree in Mathematics and played on the B Squad Basketball Team. In 1959, he married the love his life, Janice Kauth, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hunter, ND. He then graduated from NDSU in 1960 and later continued his education by receiving his Masters in Education.

   He worked for the West Fargo School District his whole career. He was a math teacher for 8 years, the principal for 11 years, and then the superintendent for 20 years until he retired in 1999. He loved all aspects of education; eating lunch with the teachers and students, attending schoolevents and sports games, and substitute teaching for math classes. Marvin received many accolades during his career. He was awarded the Superintendent of the Year for North Dakota in 1999, the Leidal Education Center was named in his honor, and he was one of the first nominees of the West Fargo High School Hall of Fame in 2009. Marvin had education in his heart his whole life, so he continued to stay active in the school community after retirement.

   Outside of work, Marvin loved spending time with his family, being at the lake, taking care of his yard and garden, and playing Bridge and Pinochle. He also loved to eat good food, Dairy Queen ice cream being one of his favorites! Dancing with Janice at weddings, the VFW, and the Eagles Club was a highlight. No matter where the dancing occurred, people were in awe of their dance moves!

   Marvin’s church community was very important to him, as he and Janice would regularly read at mass, serve as Eucharistic Ministers, and deliver communion to those who were homebound. His faith carried him through to his final days.

   Marvin is survived by his wife Janice of nearly 63 years, his children: Marty (Gloria) Leidal, of Gothenburg, NE, Michelle (Bonna) Leidal, of Blaine, WA, and Mona (Martin) Heggedal, of Fargo, ND, six grandchildren: Melissa (Travis) Vanyo, Matthew (Emily) Busch, LeeAna (Dan) Wendtfeldt, Megan (David) Rude, Kristina Heggedal, and Laurie Heggedal, two great-grandchildren: Jordan and Gracie; sister Renee Bierbach, of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law Sharon Haugen, of Plano, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

   Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.

Visitation: Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND.

Vigil Service: Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND. 

Funeral Mass: Friday, July 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND. 

Interment: Friday, July 8, 2022 following the service in the Hunter Cemetery, Hunter, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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