Jerald Arthur Leiseth, 87, of rural Arnegard, ND passed away March 5, 2025, at Hilltop Home of Comfort in Killdeer, ND.

Jerald was born January 15, 1938, to Olaf and Juliette Leiseth at his maternal grandparents’ homestead northeast of Arnegard, ND. He was raised in the Farland community along with his older brother Olaf Leiseth, Jr. When his brother was old enough to go to the Farland grade school, Jerald was sent too. He was the youngest in his graduating class at Watford City High School in 1955. He was confirmed at the Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, ND. He attended the North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton for a year. His training in welding and mechanics served him well.

Growing up, Jerald worked on the farm and had many adventures both riding horses and driving teams. He always had a deep love and understanding of horses, especially draft horses.

Jerald married Janice Johnson of Watford City on June 7, 1960, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, ND. They were true partners in all the farm and ranch work and had 64 1/2 years together. They raised two children on the farm and taught them to love and respect the land and livestock. Joy was born November 3, 1962, in Frankfurt, Germany while Jerald served in the Army. Jason came along March 28, 1964.

Jerald was proud of his military service. He was trained as a medical corpsman and earned the Expert Rifle M-14 designation. After his honorable discharge in 1963, Jerald, Janice, and Joy returned to Watford City. Jerald worked at Ray’s Standard Service Station and soon moved to the Arthur and Julia Smesrud homestead. This was his maternal grandparents’ farm where he was born. He spent the rest of his life building and improving the farm and was proud of its North Dakota Centennial Farm status. He was happiest when working side by side with his family. He highly valued honesty and a strong work ethic. He usually had a smile and a funny story for whomever he encountered. He was a humble and kind person, a very hard worker, and someone who was always reliable.

Jerald was a very proud and involved grandpa and had lots of opportunities to teach the kids about farming, horses, cattle, and haying. He had high standards and expected his family to always do their best at whatever they tackled.

In later years, Jerald rebuilt many wagons, boxes, and spring seats. Each of his kids and grandkids have a wagon and box that he restored for them. Going for a wagon ride with Grandpa and the team of draft horses was always a special treat.

Jerald served on the McKenzie County Fair Board, was a 4-H leader, served on the board of the Heritage Park in Watford City, and was a long-time member of the Long X Wagon Train.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Palma Johnson, father-in-law Ray Johnson, brother Olaf Leiseth, Jr. and his wife Alfa, brother-in-law Marshall Bergerud, and special niece Tammy Pederson.

He is survived by his wife Janice; daughter Joy (Dale) Patten and their children Kendra Patten (Lane Dokken) and Austin (Kia) Patten; son Jason (Peggy) Leiseth and their children Erick (Fallon) Leiseth, Brady Leiseth, and Tyler Leiseth; great-grandchildren Banks and Lenni Leiseth; sister-in-law Myrna (David) Wollan; sister-in-law Belle Bergerud, and many nieces, nephews and cousins that he cared for deeply.

Memorial Contribution

Thank You