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Chapel of the Cross ~ Towner, North Dakota
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Phone: 701.776.6381 ~ 701.537.5130
Fax: 701.776.5916
email: afhrugbytowner@gondtc.com


 

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Leo A. Vetter

Leo Anthony Vetter, the son of Joseph Jr. and Amelia (Weninger) Vetter was born on July 26, 1932 in rural Esmond, North Dakota in the home of his parents.  He died at the age of 84 years on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Leo was raised in the rural home of his parents and was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond, where he served as an altar boy while growing up.  He attended school in Esmond, graduating from Esmond High School class of 1950.  Leo farmed with his Dad until 1963 when his Dad retired.  While farming he also worked for the Signal Department of the Great Northern Railroad from 1955 to 1961.  Leo was united in marriage to Barbara Focke on April 3, 1961 in Noonan, North Dakota.  They resided in Minot until August, 1961 when they moved to Esmond.  He continued to farm and began work as a lineman with Baker Electric Cooperative of Cando in 1962.  In 1963, they moved to Cando.  In 1964, they moved to Rugby where he worked on the maintenance crew until health reasons forced his retirement.

Leo and his family joined Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4136, serving as Grand Knight during 1978-1979.  He was named Knight of the Year for 1970-71.  Later he became a 4th Degree Knight in the John F. Kennedy Assembly of the KC.  He also served on the parish council and was a Eucharistic Minister.  Leo enjoyed a social membership in the Clarence Larson Post # 23 of the American Legion and a member of the Rugby Eagles where he spent many an afternoon playing pinochle.

He enjoyed his retirement spending 28 summers at Devils Lake fishing, watching the sunsets from the deck of the trailer and riding around the campground on his golf cart visiting the “lake friends”.  At home, on First Street, he enjoyed keeping up on the happenings on the “north side of the tracks” on his three-wheeled scooter.  The time spent “lawn chair patrolling” with his special friends Butch and Don, was very precious to him.

Leo’s family was very dear to him, he loved them very much and appreciated the fact that when he was no longer able to work, they took very good care of him.  When forced to retire, he sold some of his land so his children could each receive a college education.  He was very proud of the fact that the Kallenbach’s of Esmond began to farm his land in 1975 and continue to do so to this day.  Leo and Barb enjoyed many years traveling south and west during the winter to visit children.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara; 3 daughters, Karen (Kent) Gebhardt of Arlington, Texas, Nancy Vetter of Bend, Oregon and Sally (Steve) Diehl of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; one son, Gary (Jeanne) Vetter of Bismarck; 6 grandchildren, Allison (Michael) Rice, Rachel Gebhardt, Alex and Grace Mockaitis, Joseph and Bishop Vetter; one sister, Helen Eberle of Silverdale, Washington; two brothers, Francis (Doreen) Vetter of Minot and James (Rose) Vetter of Velva; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by one sister, Irene Hegseth; 2 brothers-in-law; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 13th at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. Tom Graner, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Little Flower Catholic Church with a rosary and vigil prayer service at 6 p.m.  Visitation will continue Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.  There will be no reviewal in the church on Monday.


Posted Condolences:

My godfather and angel on Earth, will now be my godfather and angel in heaven. You will be deeply missed.
Heidi Budeau


Mrs Vetter our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We will always remember the Lawn Patrol and the kindness you extended to our family.
The Bercier Family


Barb & family....our sympathy & prayers to all of you.       
Steve/Linda Vetter


Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of Leo passing. What a dear sweet man. I wish you peaceful memories.
Paula Rocheleau


Barb,
My prayers go out to you and your family.  Leo was a great man and will be missed!
Love Gerard


I am saddened to hear of Leo's death, and pray for the entire Family during this time of loss.  Leo always left a smile on one's face, and knew the values of life, which was hard work enjoying life!  It was always a lively neighborhood with Leo "in the mix", and never a dull moment!  My time growing-up "on the Northside" is near and dear to my heart.  I was able to see Leo at the north Cenex...I believe it was just last winter...he didn't think I knew who he was...but I assured him that "no one would ever forget you Leo"!
God Bless Leo...and to Barbara, Karen, Nancy, Sally, Gary and All Their Families, may God's Strength carry you forward.
David and Sandy Sanderson


Barb and family so sorry to hear of Leo's passing remember when he worked with my dad Ed Kring for so many years thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Fran Kring-Jarshaw


Barb and Family:
Sending our prayers to you and all of Leos family
Patty (Weninger) Dave Getzlaff


I'm Ed and Marie Weninger's daughter from Strasburg ND and I remember you coming down to our farm. Mom and dad always liked it when you came for a visit. My sympathies Barbara to you and your family. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort.
Rose Funseth


Barb & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leo and my Dad Ed Weninger were cousins. Leo would be joking around with Dad and had such a hardy laugh.
I remember Leo, Barb, Karen, Nancy, Sally & Gary coming to the farm by Strasburg for a few days with their Pop Up Camper during their summer family vacations. They would help milk cows, feed chickens, ride horse and many more adventures out on the prairie. 
God Bless
Mark & Malinda Weninger


Barb, Karen, Sally, Nancy and Gary and family so sorry for your loss.  I remember Leo growing up and then again at Devils Lake. 
Deb Kring Kollman


Our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family.  I enjoyed Leo's friendship.  He always had something nice to say.  I am glad I was able to know him, for he was such a nice person.
God bless you
John J Heilman
Bismarck, ND


So sorry to hear of your loss Prayers for the family My grandpa was Steve Weninger that settled in the Hague.ND area. Other family went to the Rugby area.  May or may not be related.
Stella (Weninger)Nagel

 

 


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