Leland Carlson

A Celebration of Life service for Leland Melfred “Mel” Carlson, 79, of Dickinson will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Living Word Fellowship (1645 14th St W) with Pastor Scott Skones officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date.

Visitation for Leland will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Leland passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 3, 2019.

Leland was born March 8, 1939 in Reeder, ND to Emil and Agnes (Raffelson) Carlson.  He attended school in Ralph, SD and Reeder, ND.  On August 30, 1957, Leland married the love of his life, Kay Markegard in Hettinger ND.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, Melrene, Casey and Leann.  His passion was farming and ranching at Ralph, SD.  Leland and Kay were active 4-H leaders, assisting their children with projects of all kinds and always being proud of their accomplishments.  He was a charter member of Blonde ‘D’ Aquitaine Association and served as President for three years in the 1970’s.  He held other positions on the board as well and also served as secretary of Ralph Lutheran Church.  With the help of his family, Leland raised Simmental cattle and other exotic breeds.  He professionally bought and sold cattle and enjoyed helping with calves for 4-H projects.  Leland was one of the first ranchers in the area to go to A-I schooling.  In 1972, He completed NRI Schools program and was awarded a diploma with highest honors as a contemporary legal assistant.  After moving to Dickinson, ND in 1985, Leland worked at Lyle’s Western Wear and took great pride in selling boots and hats and providing great customer service.  Leland opened his own business, Pizza Patrol.  He also owned his own financial service business, Leland’s Financial Services, where he enjoyed preparing taxes and paralegal work.  Leland was very proud of his business accomplishments and he retired in 2002.  He enjoyed gardening, but especially loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Leland talked with great joy about being able to celebrate his 60
th
wedding anniversary in 2017.

Leland is survived by his loving wife, Kay; daughters, Melrene and Leann; son, Casey (Annette) all of Dickinson; sister, Deloris Sperle of Buffalo, SD; 18 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Emil Carlson; grandson, Dustin Besler; and an unborn child.

Carlson Leland

Burial Date: February 6, 2019
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Living Word Fellowship
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday