Leslie W. Falkenstein

Leslie Wayne Falkenstein, 89, died July 17, 2019 at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, July 26, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N 26^th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Beth Walch officiating.

Family will greet visitors starting at 1:00 pm Friday at the church.

Les was born February 22, 1930 in Bismarck, ND to Clarence and Alta Falkenstein. Growing up on the farm, Les attended country school and enjoyed caring for his many pets. He graduated from Bismarck High School and also earned a degree in mechanics.

Les married Phyllis Johnson on June 18, 1950. They farmed and then later moved to Wing where Les worked as a mechanic for John Deere. In 1959 they bought partnership in Thompson IH Equipment Dealership in Wilton. In 1966, Les and Phyllis took over his father’s farm until retirement.

Les and Phyllis enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and their dogs. They traveled to Alaska several times to visit their son, Alan.   Les also spent time with his woodworking and restoring a 1948 John Deere Model B tractor. He was an extremely resourceful person using available materials for projects and finding a use for everything.

In their later years, Les lovingly and tirelessly cared for Phyllis. He always put the needs of others before himself and was known by many to be gentle, kind and caring. A hug from Les would let you know how much you were loved and gave assurance that everything would be okay.

Leslie is survived by daughter Joan (Chuck) Bauer, Coleharbor, son Kurt (Adair) Falkenstein, Regan, daughter-in-law Shirley Kuehne, Farmington, MN, daughter-in-law Jacklyn Falkenstein, Falcon Heights, MN, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces, foster children, and brother Clifton, Longmont, CO.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons, Alan and Kevin, parents, sister Marjorie Magnuson.