Ilo M. Leiseth

Ilo Magdalyn Waydeman Leiseth, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, died peacefully on October 31, 2017.

Ilo was born April 10, 1930 to Ernest and Esther (Mantz) Waydeman. She grew up in Anamoose, ND where she graduated high school in 1948. In 1952, Ilo graduated from NDSU with a degree in Home Economics Education. On Sept. 21, 1952, Ilo married Bruce M. Leiseth. The couple lived in Tampa, FL where Bruce was stationed in the Air Force. They returned to North Dakota in Dec. 1954. Fargo was their home for the rest of their years and was where they raised their 2 children. Their family also enjoyed many wonderful years together at their lake home in MN. Ilo was very involved in her community and her church, Hope Lutheran, was of huge importance to her.

Ilo was a life-long learner and teacher. She loved school and knew she wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. Ilo started her Home Economics career in McClusky, ND and continued it in Tampa, FL, Casselton, ND, NDSU Extension Service, Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Fargo, and at NDSU where she was a graduate assistant. While at NDSU she received a Masters Degree in Apparel, Textiles and Design and then taught in that department. Ilo was a 1988 finalist for ND Teacher of the Year and was honored as the 1990 YWCA Women of the Year in Education. Ilo may have taught education for 47 years but she continued to teach others until her death. She was devoted to and so proud of her family and passed on to them her strong faith in God, especially in her last days.

Ilo is survived by her 2 children and their families; daughter, MaryBeth (Craig) Becker, Beulah, ND, Erin (Brian) Kaluza and Nora; Carolin (Valdie) Magstadt, Abram and Elliot: Casey (Maggie) Becker, Maddox; son, Bruce (Shereen) Leiseth, Fargo, ND, Matthew, Katelyn, and Alyssa Meyer; her special sister and brother-in-law, Mitzi and Bob Thompson, and nephews, Jeff (Terri) Thompson and Keith Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bruce (Oct. 2006).

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Hope Lutheran Foundation, Hospice of the Red River Valley or Oak Grove Lutheran School.