Leander Wawers

Leander was born November 2, 1919, in Hankinson, ND, the son of Peter and Scholastica (Bernard) Wawers. He grew up in Hankinson where he attended school. He helped his father on the farm and married Edith Suess on February 18, 1943. They later farmed near Fairmount for many years, retiring from farming in 1980, when they moved to Wahpeton. For several years Leander worked for Richland County Soil Conservation Agency, planting hundreds of trees. In 1983 he started combining with Don Miller and Sons near Tyler, ND, continuing his love of working with the land. He helped with his last harvest two summers ago, at the age of 92.

Leander enjoyed hunting, golf and fishing; making many annual fishing trips to Canada with his Fairmount friends. He served on the Richland County Water Management Board. The couple enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and making dozens of donuts for friends and neighbors throughout the year.

Leander is survived by his wife of 71 years, Edith, Wahpeton; his daughter, LeeAnn Tangen (Robert St. Marie), Fargo; daughter-in-law, Mary Wawers, Battle Lake, MN; grandchildren: Darin (Stephanie) Wawers, Detroit Lakes, MN, Erik Tangen, Chisholm, MN, Carly Tangen, Fargo; step-grandchildren: Kristen Kaszynski, Alex St. Marie and Nicole St. Marie; great-grandchildren: Brett Wawers and Beau Tangen; step great-grandchildren: Skye O'Brien and McKenna Kaszynski; two brothers, Ben (Marilyn) Wawers and Paul (Joan) Wawers, both Wahpeton; three sisters: Eva (Franklin "Jiggs") Miller, Duluth, MN; Marlys Miller and DiAnn Clementich, both Fargo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Terence, his brother, Edwin Wawers, and his sister, Ione O'Hearn.