Leonard Bergquist, 70, of Hettinger, ND and longtime farmer and rancher near Rhame, ND, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at the Hillcrest Care Center in Hettinger, following a long illness. Private family services are scheduled through the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home of Hettinger, ND.


LEONARD "Lennie" BERGQUIST was the youngest of five brothers, all born to Albin and Viola (Heinrich) Bergquist in Paynesville, MN on October 14 1936. The family moved to Rhame, ND when Leonard was a young child. They all moved a few times and then settled twenty miles north of Rhame. Leonard attended grade school at the Richland Center School not far from where they lived. He graduated from Rhame High School in 1956.


Lennie married Kathleen Corwin on June 16, 1968. They lived on the family farm and ranched in partnership with Lennie's brother, Roger. Together they raised cattle, sheep and farmed for over twenty eight years. In the fall of 1996, Lennie and Kathleen moved to Hettinger, ND for health reasons.


Lennie enjoyed life, his family and friends. He accomplished a dream by earning his pilot's license and purchased a Piper PA-11 "Cub" and built his own hangar. He spent many hours flying around the area. He loved taking his family and friends up to see the sights. Lennie also loved animals and he liked working with them and spent many hours enjoying his pets.


He and Kathleen got together with family and friends often to go fishing, have picnics and other family gatherings. Lennie also liked to go hunting with his brothers and other family members.


Lennie was very close to his brothers, Gene, Robert, Louis and Roger. He was also very close to his cousin Ken Heinrich. They grew up together and Lennie considered Ken as another brother.


Lennie's day usually began by going over to visit his Uncle Gaylord Heinrich's place, for a few cups of coffee. They enjoyed visiting and catching up on the weather and the news.


Lennie had a wonderful sense of humor, even through all his illnesses. He kept many people, including his wife, entertained by his stories and jokes.


He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Hettinger; brothers, Gene and wife Ann (Corwin) Bergquist and Louis and wife Peg Berquist, all of Rhame, ND; uncle, Gaylord Heinrich, of Bowman, ND; aunt Ada Heinrich, of Rhame and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Preceding Lennie in death were his parents and two brothers, Robert and Roger.