Leonard J. Siedschlag

Leonard Siedschlag passed peacefully at the Veterans Administration Hospital early Wednesday morning, the third of April, Twenty-thirteen. According to one of his caring physicians and current UND professor, Dr. Byron Danielson, Leonard was one of the longest living kidney transplant recipients in American history. In 1967 when kidney transplant operations were risky and in their infancy, his oldest brother Wendell was the best match for Leonard and donated his kidney.

Leonard was born and raised on his parent’s farm near Berlin, North Dakota. Shortly after graduating from high school, Leonard married Ione Erickson of Litchville, North Dakota in 1951.

Leonard served stateside during the Korean War from 1953 -55. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Fargo where they raised three children: Sandra (Thomas) Schauer of Fargo; Fern (Clay) Cigelske of West Fargo; and Larry (Sharrie Brooks) Siedschlag of San Rafael, California.

Leonard was a retired Teamster after having worked for Erickson Trucking and Murphy Trucking. During his retirement he coached little league baseball and loved playing Bingo at the Teamsters until it recently closed.

He is survived by his oldest and brave brother, Wendell, of Berlin, North Dakota; Marvin (Mary) and twin brother LeRoy (Genevieve) of LaMoure, North Dakota.

Leonard had four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ruth Siedschlag; brother, Harold of Deming, Washington; and sister-in-law, Helen Siedschlag, Berlin, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to, Rebuilding Together, a non profit organization, which provides free home repairs to vulnerable home owners in need, veterans, elderly and people with disabilities.

Leonard's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm