Leonard Melvin Jorgenson , 91, Kenmare banker, died March 19, 2011 in Kenmare, ND.

He was born July 5, 1919, in Towner to Julius and Mathilda (Iverson) Jorgenson.

Leonard spent one year in the infantry during World War II, after which he transferred to the Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet where he earned his Bombardier Wings and was Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant . He flew 50 missions as lead bombardier as he was on staff in the 15th Air Force.

He was in the following battles and Campaigns: Northern France, Southern France, Rhineland, Normandy, North Apennines, and Rome arenas.

He received the following decorations and citations: The Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Citation, European, African Middle East Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars. He was discharged April 17, 1945 as a Captain.

Leonard married Alma Roalkvam on November 29, 1947 at First Lutheran Church in Minot. They resided in Towner where he had started his banking career at the age of 21.

In 1963, he purchased controlling interest in The State Bank & Trust of Kenmare and became its President and a director. In 1989, The Citizens State Bank at Mohall was purchased and he became a director of that bank. In 1997, The First National Bank and Trust Company of Williston was purchased and he also became a director. Leonard was a charter member of the Independent Community Banks of North Dakota and a Past President of the organization. He also served on the State Banking Board.

At the national level he served as the North Dakota Director to the Independent Bankers Association of America. He also served as North Dakota Director to Conference of State Bank Supervisors.

Leonard was an active supporter of the Kenmare community. As such, he was instrumental in organizing the Kenmare Development Corporation, Kenmare Housing Corporation, Lake County Historical Society, and Kenmare Community Betterment Association. He was also a supporter and Life Member of the Kenmare Country Club.

During his lifetime he was a member of Lions International, Minot Elks, American Legion and VFW. He was also a member of Nazareth Lutheran church.

His loving family includes: children, James (Cynthia) Jorgenson, Kenmare, Karen (Phil) Neidhardt, Knoxville, TN, grandchildren Ann (John) Musser, and Jane Neidhardt; step grandsons, Ted Neidhardt, Christopher and Eric Piela; one great grandson, four step-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Elmer Roalkvam, Minot, and several nieces and nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Alma, parents; brother Lyle, and sisters Eleanor Jorgenson and Esther Fox.

Memorial service: April 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. in Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare.
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, later in the spring.
Memorials: The family requests that memorials be sent to the Nazareth Lutheran Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 205, Kenmare, ND 58746.