Leonard Welken

October 16, 1912 - June 7, 2010

Leonard Ernest Welken was born on October 16, 1916 in Skandia Township, rural Barnes County, ND, the son of Iver L. and Olga (Larson) Welken. He attended Skandia District 40 Grade School. He graduated in 1930 from Green School, and then went on to Valley City State Teachers College for a year. He farmed in Meadowlake Township north of Marion, ND from 1930 to 1952. On October 3, 1935, he married Clara DeVries. They were avid gardeners. Leonard worked at Grotberg Electric for 4 years before starting his own electrical business, Leo Electric, in 1958. Clara and Leonard spent two years as care takers of Red Willow Bible Camp. In 1991, they moved to Litchville and in the mid 90’s back to Valley City. Clara died in 1994. Leonard married Ruby Adams Risser in 1998. She died in 2009. He continued to make his home in Valley City, becoming a resident of the Sheyenne Care Center in March of 2010. Some of Leonard’s pastimes included singing for KOVC and at funerals. He also played the harmonica and accordion. He was a member of Zion Free Lutheran Church in Green Township. Leonard is survived by his sons, Larry (Deloris) of Valley City, James (Anita) of Wheatland, WY, and Ivan “Ike” of Valley City; 6 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and a sister, Thelma Benson of Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, a baby daughter, and a brother Elias.