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Leslie Vatnsdal
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 Leslie John Vatnsdal
June 23, 1964 - May 31, 2008
Leslie John Vatnsdal, age 43, of Minot, North Dakota, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, died with dignity at his home on May 31, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Les' smile, strength, and fighting spirit inspired all who knew him as he lived fully and appreciated every moment of his life.
Les was born on June 23, 1964, to Gene and Judy (Larson) Vatnsdal in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He grew up in Grand Forks in a home filled with the love of his parents, his two sisters, Lori and Linda, and his brother, Jamie. He was an outstanding marksman, an avid fisherman and golfer, excellent billiards and pinochle player, a gifted leader, and an extraordinary man. He enjoyed spending his time with family and friends, and this included spending time at the farm, hunting, fishing, watching the UND Fighting Sioux Hockey Team and the Minnesota Vikings.
Les was baptized and confirmed in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, attended Kelly Elementary School, Schroeder Junior High School, and graduated from Red River High School in 1982 all in Grand Forks. Les attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a degree in Business Management in 1986, and went on to use that well. He started his career in management, with two years at Target before starting his twenty year career with Menard's. He retired from Menard's in July 2007, due to complications from his brain tumor. Les and his wife, Cory, moved several times with Menards from Grand Forks, to Bismarck, to Minneapolis, MN, and then Minot, North Dakota, where he was the store manager since 1995. Les was involved in the Minot Builders Association, Edison PTA, and several local pool leagues. He was currently a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the National Rifle Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Les met his wife, Corrine "Cory" Schirado while they both attended UND. They were married August 5, 1989, in Glen Ullin, North Dakota. Their son, Travis, was born October 17, 1996, and daughter Cassidy May 8, 2001. Les cherished his bond with Cory, and they were blessed to share a marriage of 18 ½ years in complete happiness, love and devotion from beginning to end. Their love for each other will carry on forever. Les' greatest joy in his life was the time he spent adoring his children, Travis and Cassidy. An excited, energetic father, he showered them with love from the second they were born, spending countless hours playing sports in the backyard, teaching them about nature and farm life, attending swim meets and sporting events, cuddling up with books, playing games, and thousands of other special times they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. Cory, Travis and Cassidy, along with the rest of his family and friends, will miss Les always. He was a wonderful husband, an amazing son and brother, a fabulous friend, and the best, most loved dad there could ever be.
The world was a far better place when Les was in it. He was the most kind and caring person you could ever hope to meet, and his smile and gentle goodness touched the life of every person who had the good fortune of knowing him. While he was a man of integrity, quiet strength, amazing intellect, unbelievable hunting and fishing talent, and accomplishments too numerous to mention, he was incredibly humble and gracious, always looking to share a smile, a handshake or a hug. We will miss Les' big heart, great sense of humor, warm smile and sparkling eyes, but we will carry him in our hearts forever.
Les is survived by his beloved wife Cory, son Travis, daughter Cassidy, parents Gene and Judy Vatnsdal, Grand Forks; sister Lori (Orman) Anafarta, Forest Lake, MN; sister Linda (Mark) Keehr, Grand Forks; brother Jamie (Julie Molstad) Vatnsdal, Grand Forks; mother-in-law, Eunice Schirado, Glen Ullin, ND and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Les was preceded in death by his daughters Taylor and Katie, sons Cameron and Jaden, grandparents Theodore and Josephine (Amma) Vatnsdal of Hensel, ND, grandparents Norman and Hildegarde Larson of Grand Forks, ND and father-in-law Ernest Schirado, Glen Ullin, ND.
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Teena Morris (Swangler)
I admired Les's sense of humor and kindess and will remember his huge smile!
Karri Jo Johnson (Becker)
Les always had that twinkle in his eye making you wonder what he was up to. From the time we were kids until the last time I saw him at the 20th reunion that twinkle was there. It was nice to beable to visit with him and his family then. His life was cut way too short. I'm thankful to have known him for all those years!
Tom Heffernan
Bar none, probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met in my life. That smile could make you forget about all that is wrong with the world. The world needs more people like Les. He is sadly missed. RIP buddy.