Leland Sabby

Leland “Lee” Sabby was born in Rolette, ND, on February 29, 1920, and died on December 7, 2008 in Valley City, ND. Lee was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. His first four years of education was in Chicago schools. Grades 5-11 in a rural school, Wolf Creek Consolidated, near Rolette, ND, graduating from Rolette High School in 1938. He attended Luther College, Decorah, IA, and received a B.A. in mathematics in 1943. He enlisted in the USNR and attended Notre Dame University where he was commissioned ensign and then attended Harvard University for further training. Lee then served in the US Navy with the Seventh Fleet during WWII. After discharge from the Navy, he went into teaching. One year at Edinburg High School, ND, two years at Harvey High School, ND, and 35 years at Valley City High School. In 1950, Lee was united in marriage with Ina Peterson in Jewell, IA. They have been blessed with four children. Lee is survived by his wife and his children: Paul, Minneapolis, MN, Mary (Greg) Allen, Jamestown, ND, Rachel (Jim) Jensen, Valley City, ND, and John, Edmond, OK, and by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Lee earned his Masters of Arts degree from the University of N. Colorado, in 1953, and attended summer schools at UND, the University of Illinois (two summers), Stanford University (Shell Fellow) and the University of Denver. During his teaching years, he was active in a number of activities: Member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Valley City National Council of Teachers of Mathematics ND Council of Teachers of Mathematics—first President Sheyenne Care Center Board, past President Recording Secretary of ND State Legislative Commission of AARP Kiwanis Club Valley City Area Retired Teachers Association Lee also served as Director of Teacher Workshops for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX for two summers. In 1984, Lee received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics. Lee was appointed by four governors, both Republican and Democrat to serve on: Teachers’ Professional Practices Commission and Board of Trustees of ND Teachers’ Fund for Retirement State Investment Board. Lee was elected to serve in two sessions of the ND House of Representatives.

Leland Sabby

February 29, 1920 - December 7, 2008