Leland Wilken, 73

Leland Gale Wilken, 73, Osakis, passed away March 11, 2013 at Sheyenne Crossing Nursing Home in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Leland was born June 10, 1939 in Milaca to Gale and Eleanor (Anfinson) Wilken. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith on January 30, 1941 in Milaca. As a young man, Leland was active in 4H clubs and continued his involvement all through his school years. He regularly received awards when showing his prize Guernsey heifers.

Leland graduated from Princeton High School in 1957 and went on to complete an education degree for agriculture from the University of Minnesota in 1961.

On July 31, 1965, Leland married his sweetheart, Janet Lea, in Elk River. They raised three children. For eight years, from 1956 to 1964, Leland served in the Minnesota National Guard and became trained as a marksman. He also began a 27-year teaching career with his first employment as a teacher at Medford Public School. He then taught in Morris and Belgrade before finally settling in Osakis and teaching ag classes there until his retirement. Leland was also involved as an FFA advisor and was also the adult ag instructor.

Leland was a member of Osakis Lutheran Church and the Osakis Lions Club, having served as past president. Some of his hobbies and interests included gardening, fishing, cutting wood and farming.

Leland is survived by his children, Daniel (Sherrie) Wilken of Villard, Susan Howard of Glenwood and Michelle (Nathan) Nyhammer of West Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; mother, Eleanor Berdahl of Princeton; brother, Duane (Shirley) Wilken of Princeton; brothers-in-law, Gary Lehr of Edina and Bill (Addie) Lea of Bismarck, ND; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, his wife, Janet, in 2011; son-in-law, Dan Howard; sister, Eileen Lehr; and sister-in-law, Judith Lea.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 15 at 11 a.m. at Osakis Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Calvert officiating. Musicians are organist, Pat Converse and soloists, Brook Wilken and Sarah Eblen. Inurnment is at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Honorary pallbearers are Jessica Kloos, Miranda Lorentz, Sarah Eblen and the members of the Osakis Lions Club. Active bearers are Mitchell and Christopher Nyhammer, Jacob Wilken, Brent and Terrace Holmgren and Lee Eblen.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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