Leonard Grabanski

Leonard Grabanski (94) of Grand Forks, ND passed away early Thursday morning at home under Altru Hospice Care. He was born on February 14, 1922 in rural Oslo (Pulaski township), the son of Frank and Mary (Cetnor) Grabanski. He spoke only Polish until attending elementary school in the Oslo/Johnstown area, learning English from a Norwegian elementary teacher. He joined the US Air Force in 1944 and served until his honorable discharge in 1947. He met Betty (Davis) at a dance and they were united in marriage on June 5, 1955 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Larimore. They farmed and lived north of Inkster, ND for 50 years, raising seven children before retiring to Grand Forks, ND in 2006.

Farming was Leonard’s passion. He began by sharing a tractor with his brother, one farming by day and the other by night. Not content to simply “farm”, Leonard was always building up the farming operation. He was a diversified farmer, planting wheat, beans, corn and sunflowers while also raising cattle and pigs. Leonard made farming a family operation and his children learned early a strong work ethic, and to “figure it out” when problems arose. Throughout his life he enjoyed visiting and “talking farming” with others.

Leonard was a member of Faith Lutheran church in Inkster, ND, and served as the president and facilities coordinator for several years. He loved to dance with Betty throughout their lives together, and to play cards with family and friends, a passion he retained even up to his last days. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his special interest; he enjoyed playing with them, attending their events, (whether concerts, athletics or theatre), and involving them in simple farm tasks such as riding the tractor and bottle-feeding calves. Leonard was always “ready to go” whether to attend local events or distant travel. He vacationed with Betty and other family in Florida and Hawaii, and visited relatives throughout the US (California, Washington, Arizona, Texas, Michigan and Montana) as well as Poland and Norway.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; sons Daniel (Eileen), George (Laurie), Russell (Theresa), Raymond (Joan), Jon (Carla) and daughters Debra (Dean) Hanson and Julie (Hank) Grabanski-Roehrich as well as eighteen grandchildren; John Byram, Jennifer (Nick Bennett), Sarah (Jordan Coplin), and Michael (Alison) Byram, Taylor (Amy) Grabanski, Chance (Ariel) Grabanski, Kelsey Grabanski, Shelby Grabanski, Bryce , Alex, Elijah, Isaac, Jordan, Josiah Grabanski, Brenda Roehrich, Brittany (Jason Conley), Sean Norton, (Cathleen), and Haley Norton; four great-grandchildren; Emma, Everly (Taylor), Jameson, Owen (Chance). He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters.

VISITATION will be held on Tuesday, December 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 pm at Bakke Funeral Home in Larimore. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Wednesday.

The FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, Dec 21 at Faith Lutheran Church in Inkster, ND with Pastor Mari Nyberg officiating

INTERMENT will be at Inkster Cemetery in the spring. Military Honors by the Forest River American Legion Post 251.

Lunch will be served after the funeral at the Forest River Community Center.