Arta Claire Leno, 67. passed away early Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022, at her sister’s home in Dickinson. Arta lived her entire life in her family home in Bismarck, until November when she retired and moved to Dickinson to live with her sister, Sylvia Olson.
Arta was born April 13, 1955 to Arthur Leno and Clara Bierwagen Leno. She was born in the Bismarck Hospital, the youngest of five daughters and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1973. She was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church where she eventually was named an elder.
She graduated from Bismarck State University where she was the editor of the school newspaper her sophomore year. She held a variety of jobs, including the Bismarck Tribune, compiling sports scores on busy nights and later at KFYR TV as a camera operator. She was a clerk in the ND Secretary of State’s office. She realized her need for computer training and enrolled at Interstate Business College. She interned in US Senator Kent Conrad’s office. In 1992-94 she worked at Profess. Rehabilitation Management, transcribing reports from claims analysts, working with ND Worker’s Compensation Bureau; 1994-95 she worked as a secretary during the ND legislative session; 1995-96 she worked for ND Nurses Association doing data entry and, finally, in 1996- 2022 she worked for Laducer & Associates doing data entry of confidential government information.
Arta was recognized as Volunteer of the Month by the ND Nurses Association. She was the past president of the Bismarck American Cancer Society and chairman of the Great American Smoke-off; She was President of the Future Leaders of America, Interstate Business College, Bismarck Chapter and named Who’s Who FBLA. She traveled to Germany as a member of an exchange program.
Arta was a life-long avid supporter of BHS Demon sports, driving all over the state to attend basketball games. She was recognized by the Bismarck Demons Booster Club as the Number 1 fan in 2001-2002 & 2002-2003.
It didn’t end there, she was a “die-hard” Minnesota Twins & Vikings fan.
She was a dedicated caregiver to our mother for over 36 years starting in 1975 when our father died, ending In 2011 when mother Passed away at the age of 97; Arta took mother to basketball, football, wrestling to cheer on her grandsons. She even took her to ”Meet the Twins” where she met Kirby Puckett.
She was talented in many areas, especially musically. She played flute, guitar and piano and sang with Sweet Adelines. She recently joined the Traditional service worship music leaders at the Dickinson Prairie Winds Church, joining her sister, Sylvia, Robyn Nadvornik, Leyman Tedford, and piano players, Kari Shea and Ken Lenz. She had so looked forward to singing with our group and joining Tuesday morning Bible study and Ladies Red Hat group.
Her last project was painting my downstairs picture window with a Christmas scene. Her 55th year. Something 4 Leno sisters, Joan, Carol Sylvia & Arta had enjoyed doing for 58 years.
Arta’s baking was appreciated by many people. She was known for yummy sweet treats year round at work, the Humane Society, assorted doctors’ offices and friends.
She is survived by 2 sisters: Joan ( Leno) Onstad, Bismarck & Sylvia (Leno) Olson, Dickinson; 11 nephews & 2 nieces. She was preceded in death by Father & Mother; 2 sisters: Carol (Leno) Althaus and Bonnie (Leno) Chase; 3 brothers-in-law: Dick Althaus, Jack Chase and M.G. Olson.
A memorial service will be held later in the spring. An inurnment will be held at the Burt Hope Cemetery located on our grandfather, Henry Leno’s former ranch.
