The funeral Mass for Leonard E. Geiger, 90, Valley City, ND, will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Valley City with Fr. Paul Duchschere officiating.  Burial will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.  He died December 15, 2023, at SMP Health-St. Raphael under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00-6:30 PM at St. Catherine’s with a prayer service beginning at 6:30. The services will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.

Leonard Edward Geiger was born July 9, 1933, to Joseph and Alvina (Zimprich) Geiger in Jessie, ND.  He attended one room rural schools in Griggs County and Cooperstown, ND High School. He worked at the Chevrolet Garage in Cooperstown, as well as on the family farm and for other farmers in the area.

He was drafted into the US Army in May 1953.  He married his childhood sweetheart, and the love of his life, Evelyn Hagen on June 2, 1954, at Cooperstown.  Following his honorable discharge in May 1955, the couple made their home in Valley City where they continued to reside.

Leonard had been employed at various businesses in Valley City and was a long-time employee of NW Bell Telephone Co. and later the Barnes County Courthouse.  He retired in July 1995.

He was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, a life member of the Amvets, a member of the American Legion and former member of the Barnes County Wildlife Club and Sheyenne Snowdrifters.  He had also been a member of the Valley City Fire Department.  For over 50 years, he was a member of a dance band, the last years being with The Country Lads.  Leonard did volunteer work at the Nearly Nu Store and with the Barnes County Senior Citizens.  His hobbies included music, fishing, camping, woodworking, dancing and playing cards.

Leonard was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He enjoyed being with family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Evelyn; son, Kevin; daughter, Kathy (Rod) Nelson; grandsons, Ryan, Lance, and Jarod Nelson and Jason Leadbetter.  He also leaves a stepsister, Arlene (Frank) Heinze; a sister-in-law, Dianne (Clifford) Eggermont and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Dwayne Leadbetter; brothers, Leo and Lawrence; sister, Mary Jane Fode; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Helen; two nieces and two nephews.

The Lerud Mathis Funeral Home is assisting the Geiger family with arrangements.