Wanda Leifson

Minot

Wanda May Leifson (Sundby), 84, of Minot, passed away on February 12, 2026 at home, surrounded by her eight children.

Wanda was born at home in Sherwood, ND on May 7, 1941, and grew up on a farm near Mohall with her parents and two siblings. She told stories of using the team of horses to pull the car in winter so they could start it and drive into town. She attended a country school through the 4th grade, later graduating from Mohall High School. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1956. She maintained her faith and was an active part of the local congregation for the rest of her life.

In 1960, Wanda married Don Leifson. The couple moved to his family farm near Ryder, ND, where they raised their family of 5 boys and 3 girls, and worked together to manage the farm for almost 60 years. After the death of her husband in December 2018, Wanda left the farm and moved into Minot. There she developed a group of close friends that she referred to as “The Ladies.”

Wanda is survived by: her sister, Ila Krause (David); brother, Bill Sundby (Cheryl); children, Karen Hall, Leon “Butch” Leifson (Kim), Dianna Leifson Thomas (Jeff), LaVon Readel (Stephen), Duane Leifson (Ann), Darrin Leifson (Amber), Daryl Leifson, Dennis Leifson (Shannan); as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Clarence and Hazel Sundby (Stewart), and her husband, Don Leifson.

Wanda did not like to be the center of attention and has requested no memorial service, but the family would like to thank “The Ladies” and the rest of her friends from the congregation who have taken such good care of her.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 18, 2026.