Marian Lefor, 81, Dickinson, died Saturday, April 17, 2010 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Marian’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Jerry Volk presiding.
Marian Kerner was born February 14, 1929, on the family farm near Hirschville in Dunn County of North Dakota, the daughter of Kasper and Theresa (Keller) Kerner. She was raised at Hirschville and received her schooling at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Richardton where she graduated. Marian taught in a rural one room country school for a little over a year.
Marian and Richard Lefor were united in marriage on September 19, 1950, at St. Phillips Catholic Church, Hirschville. Together they farmed, first on a farm in the Lefor area and then moving to a farm along the Knife River north of Gladstone. They remained on the farm until retirement and their permanent move into Dickinson in the early 2000’s. While on the farm Marian traveled back and forth to Bismarck where she served as the Diocesan Rural Life Director for a period of three years.
Marian was involved and active in many church and community activities and events; such as 4-H and Farmers Union. She enjoyed baking and cake decorating, working in the flower and vegetable gardens, sewing, reading and spending time on the computer. Marian was a beloved mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend. She was a faithful and loving caregiver to Richard when his health began to decline. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and her two great-grandchildren and was very proud of their many accomplishments. She eagerly awaited the two new great-grandchildren who will be born soon! Marian loved to entertain and welcomed many friends to their home to visit or play cards. She was “Mom” and “Grandma” to many more than just her immediate family.
Marian is survived by her husband, Richard; their two children, Verna (Arland) Rasmussen, West Fargo, and Curtis R. (Sheila) Lefor, Dickinson; six grandchildren, Kristi (Jeremy) Engelstad, Robert (Cindy) Rasmussen, Katie (Daniel) Nill, Korene (Jason) Newton, Dean (Valerie) Lefor, and Keith Lefor; two great-grandchildren, Brody Engelstad and Calissa Newton; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Kerner, Caroline Rettig, Edwin and Delores Lefor. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her twin brother, Valentine Kerner.
