Leslie H. Laffen

Leslie Howard Laffen, 88, of Fargo, ND, passed away on July 4, 2019 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Visitation will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN on Monday, July 8 from 5 to 7pm with a prayer service at 7pm. Funeral services will be at 10am on Tuesday, July 9 at Our Redeemer as well. A Christian burial will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN at 2pm.

Les was born to John and Elsie (Rice) Laffen on September 23, 1930 in Hector, MN. He grew up in Edgeley, ND and graduated from Edgeley High School in 1948. After graduation, he joined the US Army and served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.

Les met his beloved wife Margery Ann Bergquist while working together at the Red Owl store in Moorhead. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1955. In 1971, he and Marge purchased the Broadway Jack and Jill which was the first of four stores they owned. Les continued in the grocery business until his retirement. After retirement, Les enjoyed time with Marge at their home in Fargo and at the lake cabin at Lake Melissa, MN.

Les and Marge joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 50 years ago. Les has been very active at Our Redeemer including serving on many committees, as well as serving as the President of the Congregation. Les (BaPa to his grandchildren), loved good company, any card game, and helping others. His favorite company was his family, and most dear was his wife, Margery (MorMor to her grandchildren). BaPa will forever be remembered sitting on the deck of the cabin, enjoying happy hour with MorMor, and looking out at the lake; most likely about to start a card game of 500, a game of which he had never lost. He also enjoyed the outdoors and hunting the beautiful North Dakota and Minnesota fields and ponds.

Les was preceded in death by his wife Margery, parents John and Elsie, brothers Lawrence and Donald, and sisters Helen, Evelyn, and Sandra.

Les is survived by his sister Luella; sons Gregory (Diane) Laffen, Howard Laffen, and John (Marci) Laffen; and daughter Marles (Phil) Lamers; grandchildren Nickolas (Kristi) Laffen, Melissa (Brock) Holum, Richard (Kim) Rittmaster, Tyler (Meghan) Rittmaster, Tanna (Ben) Gavin, Christopher Lamers, Steven Lamers, Benjamin Laffen, and Sarah Laffen; great grandchildren Grayson Laffen, Kate Holum, Claire Rittmaster, Alice Rittmaster, and William Rittmaster.

Les was dearly beloved and will be missed by everyone who knew him.