Leonard L. Norgart Sr., 86, of International Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012, at the Ranier Roost, Ranier, Minn., surrounded by his family.
Leonard was born June 27, 1925, in Cavalier, N.D., and grew up and attended school in Cavalier.
He served in the United States Army and was a platoon sargent.
Leonard married Ilean Friesen in June of 1948 in Cavalier.
After the service, he worked as a mechanic in Crystal, N.D. They moved to Grafton, N.D., in 1952, and in 1954 moved to International Falls.
He worked for Boise Cascade beginning in 1954 and retired in 1984. He also drove school bus for International Falls School District and drove oil truck for Mobil Oil Company.
Leonard helped to found several saddle clubs around the International Falls area. He had a great passion for horses. He ran a hobby farm, enjoyed gardening, and working with animals. He boarded and broke horses, loved spending time outdoors, and traveled with his grandson for golfing near and far, and always had time for “his girls,” Kylee and Marty.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ilean Norgart; parents, Harold Sr. and Luella Norgart; son, Leonard “Lenny” Norgart Jr.; daughter, Margaret Norgart; brothers, Arnold and Harold Jr.; and sister, Evelyn Goins.
Leonard is survived by his son, Warren Norgart of Ranier; daughters, Lorene “Orrie” (Joe) Walsh of Sartel, Minn., and Marilyn Norgart of Foreston, Minn.; brother, Elmer Norgart of Iowa; grandchildren, Cory (Lisa Mann) Norgart, Lenny Hofmann, Kenzie Norgart, Tyler Norgart, Todd Norgart, Tessa Mann and Devin Mann; three great-grandchildren, Kylee Anne Norgart, Marty Lynn Norgart and Ben Norgart.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Norgart residence, 4019 Highway 11, International Falls.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorials in memory of Leonard may be made to the Rainy River Riders Saddle Club of International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
