Leonard Oliver Pietsch , 95, longtime South Prairie area resident died on Friday, January 20, 2017 in a Minot nursing home.

Leonard was born June 2, 1921 to Gustav and Thea (Carlson) Pietsch on the family farm south of Minot in Freedom Township of Ward County. He was raised on the family farm and educated at a rural school. As a young adult, he assisted his family on the farm.

Leonard married Thelma Bjelland on October 15, 1941 at the courthouse in Watford City. Their wedding shower was held on December 7, 1941, "A Date Which Will Live in Infamy." Leonard and Thelma made their home on their Ranch for three years before Leonard was drafted into the US Army at Fort Snelling, MN. He was discharged shortly after due to a pre-existing health issue, the loss of his thumb. After returning to Minot, he was employed by the Minot Fire Department as a firefighter. He then went on to own and operate Pietsch Construction, Northern Marble and Pietsch Sign Company. In 1972, Leonard and Thelma moved to Salida, CO where they owned and operated the Highlander Motel and Lamplighter Restaurant and Lounge. In 1980, Leonard made a trip to Libya, in northern Africa to help in the construction of an cultural runway. He owned and leased out several buildings in the Minot area. He and Thelma spent many winters in Mesa, AZ before she passed away on January 23, 2005.

Leonard was a longtime member of Saron Lutheran Church and also a member of the Elk's Lodge, the Eagle's Aerie and the Moose Lodge. For many years, he was one of the volunteer caretakers of Saron Cemetery. He especially enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, carpentry, and light construction. He thoroughly enjoyed shooting trap and won many awards over the years. Playing cards was a favorite. There was always time for a game of cribbage.

Leonard's loving family includes his children: Christine (Jim) Graves of Seattle, WA and Dale (Brenda) Pietsch of Minot; daughter-in-law: Nancy Pietsch of Minot; four Grandchildren: John (Karen) Pietsch of Lakewood, CO, Amynda "Amy" (Jason) Behm of Minot, Carrie (Marty) Powell of Gardiner, MT, and Richard (Beth) Pietsch of Minot; Great Grandchildren: Ethan and Alaina Powell, Karl and Jameson Behm, and Evelyn and Eli Pietsch; Brother Gerhardt Pietsch of Melbourne, FL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Thea Pietsch; wife, Thelma; son Vernon Pietsch; sister, Clara and brothers Carl, Clifford, Ernest, Herman, Elvin, and Alfred.

Celebration of the life of Leonard Pietsch : Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 at 11:00am at Saron Lutheran Church, Rural Minot.
Interment : Saron Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Minot. A graveside service will take place at a later date.
Visitation: Tuesday, January 24th from 3pm-6pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Saron Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.