Don Leifson

Don Leifson, of rural

Ryder, ND, passed away

on December 17, 2018 at

the age of 77. He died at

home, in the house where

he was born on February

24, 1941.

Don was the first of the

“41 Club,” a group of chil-

dren in the community

that were born in 1941.

He was baptized as one of

Jehovah’s Witnesses along

with his parents on Oc-

tober 15, 1955. He com-

pleted the eighth grade at

the local country school

and started farming in

Vang Township with his

dad. His parents were old-

er when he was born so

they needed his help by

that time. He bought his

first tractor at the age of

16 – a 1941 M Internation

al, which he still owns.

Don had a passion for air-

planes from early child-

hood. He acquired his

pilot’s license and com-

pleted his first solo flight

on February 10, 1984.

On June 5, 1960 he

married his one and only

girlfriend and best friend,

Wanda May Sundby, of

Mohall. They started their

family on November 21,

1962, which grew into a

family of eight children:

five boys and three girls.

Don is survived by his

wife, Wanda; Eight chil-

dren: Karen Hall, Leon

“Butch” Leifson (Kim), Di-

anna Leifson Thomas

(Jeff), LaVon Readel

(Stephen), Duane Leifson

(Ann), Darrin Leifson

(Amber), Daryl Leifson

(Amy), Dennis Leifson

(Shannan); Nine grand-

children; and 2 great-

grandchildren.

He was preceded in

death by his parents, Hal-

vor and Ina Leifson

(Rowe), and 3 brothers:

Norman “Bob,” Gene, and

Lyle.

At Don’s request, there

will not be a funeral or

memorial service.

Those wanting to sign

the online memorial regis-

ter of share memories and

condolences are invited to

use the expressions of

sympathy section at

(www.thomasfamily

funeralhome.com).