Leona Saugstad, 87, 9601 84th Ave. SE, Minot, died Monday, October 9, 2006, in her home.

Leona Friesen was born December 9, 1918, near Wolf Point, Montana, to Diedrick and Sarah (Ratzlaff) Friesen. She moved with her family to Minot in 1923, where she was raised and educated. Leona graduated from Minot High School in 1936 and from Minot State Teacher's College in 1938. She taught school in the Bell School District in Minot, and later in Des Lacs, ND.

Leona was united in marriage to Dale Saugstad on June 24, 1944, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Minot. They made their home on the Saugstad family farm located near Logan, ND. Leona remained active in the school system serving as a substitute teacher for a number of years. Yet, her largest duties were raising their four children and helping out on the farm, occasionally milking a cow or two in Dale's absence.

In her spare time, Leona was involved in many interests and hobbies. She could be found in her garden, working with arts and crafts, quilt making or sewing. Leona was a charter member of the Valley Homemaker's Club. She will be dearly missed by all who shared in her life.

She is survived by: Husband of 62 years, Dale - Logan; Daughters: Mary (William) Hutter, Park Rapids, MN, Kathryn Saugstad, Orlando, FL, and Rita (David) Parker, Cando, ND; Son: Harley Saugstad, Logan, ND; Special niece and caregiver, Garnet Baker, Logan, ND; 8 Grandchildren: Cyndi, Shannon, Kate, Lane, Aaron, Joseph, Jenna, and Sarah; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Ciara, Sean, Abigail, and Olivia; Sister: Luana Welch, Wenatchee, WA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Leonard and Leland Freisen.

Funeral: Thursday, October 12, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at River of Life Assembly of God, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot;
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot.