Leo Haider

Minot

Leo L. Haider, 86, passed away Monday, August 26th, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Leo Lenard Haider was born May 2, 1938, to Marguerite (Buee) and Michael Haider in Minot, ND. He was the 9th of 14 siblings. He was raised in Burlington and attended Burlington Elementary, and graduated from Des Lacs High School in 1956.

Leo married the love of his life, Kathleen Friese of Garrison, on June 25th, 1960, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Garrison, ND. In 1961 they began building their first home in Burlington.

Leo’s bricklaying career began in 1960, advancing to journeyman in 1963. His craftsmanship can be seen throughout North Dakota and across the nation at various churches including the beautiful brick posts at the entrances of St. John’s, schools, businesses, shopping centers, and private residences. Leo was a member of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers’ International Union of America until his retirement in 1994 due to health complications associated with the trade.

Leo was an active member of the St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Minot, He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge #1089. He also served as a school board member for United #7.

Throughout his retirement, Leo enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and other extended family. “Bapa” held a special place in each of his grandchildren’s hearts.

Leo’s desire to discover his father’s origins resulted in a trip to Illmitz, Austria, where he and Kathleen, connected with many relatives of his father’s family.

Upon moving to Robinwood Estates in 2004, Leo formed a special friendship with their neighbor, Darryl Kraft. Leo’s family can never repay the many acts of kindness they received as a result of this friendship.

During their 64 years of marriage, Leo and Kathleen’s home was always a gathering space for their children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and family or friends, where all could find love, laughter, a good meal, and plenty of chocolate chip cookies. Birthdays and holidays will always hold treasured moments especially the addition of his first great-grandson in May of 2024.

Leo’s greatest joy and rewards were his children; which include his daughter, Kimberly (Garvin) Semenko, grandchildren, Austin (Morgan Zuck) Semenko, Maria (Andrew) Vetter and great-grandson, Max, and Shannon Semenko, all of Williston; son, Joseph (Darcie Zietlow) Haider, granddaughters Micaela (Sean Williams) and Alexis Haider, all of Minot; daughter, Carmen (David) Sincerbeaux of Spirit Lake, ID, and granddaughters, Cora (Christopher Serros) Sincerbeaux of San Antonio, and Gwen Sincerbeaux of Idaho; and son-in-law, Mike Couture (Lilly Taylor) of Minot, and grandchildren, Natalie (Cole Jones), Nathan, and Nicole Couture, all of Minot. He is also survived and loved by his remaining siblings, siblings-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews from both sides of his family, and special cousin, Beate (Haider) Unger and

other members of the Austrian Haider family. His generous heart was always ready to teach, guide and mentor his children and their families when needed.

Leo is preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen (Haider) Couture, his parents; parents-in-law Joe and Marie Friese; brothers, Richard, Ervin, Arthur, Herb, Robert, Benjamin, and Raymond Haider; brothers-in-law, Joseph Friese, Quirin Friese, and Kenny Vollmer; and sister-in-law, Gloria Friese.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND. Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 7 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, August 29, 2024.