1919
Leslie
2021
Leslie Wassberg
July 3, 1919 — June 18, 2021
Rev. Leslie Wassberg's funeral service may be viewed here
https://youtu.be/Y6n02wS-_KE
Rev. Leslie Wassberg, 101, of Moorhead, MN, died on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Ecumen Evergreens of Moorhead.
Rev. Leslie Wassberg was born July 3, 1919, to Fredrik and Frieda Wassberg, Swedish immigrant parents in Moline Il. He was proud of his Swedish heritage , taking part in Swedish cultural events and often singing hymns and doing church services in Swedish when asked. His father died when Les was just 18 leaving him as the source of support for his mother with his older brother John. John joined the army in 1942 and Les joined the Army Air Force in 1945 and was stationed stateside at the end of World War II.
Les used the GI bill to attend Augustana College and seminary in Rock Island, IL. While attending seminary he was introduced to the love of his life, Eunice C. Bagley. Les & Eun were married on March 28, 1953, and he was ordained a Lutheran minister on June 14, 1953. His first parish was at Zion Lutheran in Lake Bronson, MN. He was called to Warren, MN in 1956 and served as pastor at First Lutheran and Vega Lutheran. He was called to Messiah Lutheran in Fargo, ND and served 1970-1977. After further education, Les became the first full time chaplain at Dakota Hospital in Fargo. He worked there until his retirement at age 70.
During his retirement, Les & Eun were active members at Elim Lutheran Church. Les held leadership positions with various organizations including the Swedish Cultural Heritage Society, CROP Walk for the Hungry, and his church. He loved to golf, fish, and spend time at their lake place at Leaf Lake in Minnesota. Les & Eun loved to travel and made numerous trips to Scandinavia and Hawaii.
Les is survived by daughters, Linda (Dwight) Ness, Karen (Jack) Lind; son, Steve (Brenda) Wassberg; son in-law, Doug Gilliss; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Carolyn) Ness, Matthew (Careen Jewel) Ness, Richard (Melissa) Ness, Sarah (Chad) Johnson, Rachel (Sam) Frisell, Ben Lind, Alexandra (Matthew) Lund, Shane (Laura) Gilliss, Seth (Shania) Gilliss; eight great-grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Les was preceded in death by his beloved Eun; daughter, Kristin; parents, Fred and Frieda; brother, John; in-laws & nephews.
Masks will be required at the service.
Rev. Leslie Wassberg, 101, of Moorhead, MN, died on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Ecumen Evergreens of Moorhead.
Rev. Leslie Wassberg was born July 3, 1919, to Fredrik and Frieda Wassberg, Swedish immigrant parents in Moline Il. He was proud of his Swedish heritage , taking part in Swedish cultural events and often singing hymns and doing church services in Swedish when asked. His father died when Les was just 18 leaving him as the source of support for his mother with his older brother John. John joined the army in 1942 and Les joined the Army Air Force in 1945 and was stationed stateside at the end of World War II.
Les used the GI bill to attend Augustana College and seminary in Rock Island, IL. While attending seminary he was introduced to the love of his life, Eunice C. Bagley. Les & Eun were married on March 28, 1953, and he was ordained a Lutheran minister on June 14, 1953. His first parish was at Zion Lutheran in Lake Bronson, MN. He was called to Warren, MN in 1956 and served as pastor at First Lutheran and Vega Lutheran. He was called to Messiah Lutheran in Fargo, ND and served 1970-1977. After further education, Les became the first full time chaplain at Dakota Hospital in Fargo. He worked there until his retirement at age 70.
During his retirement, Les & Eun were active members at Elim Lutheran Church. Les held leadership positions with various organizations including the Swedish Cultural Heritage Society, CROP Walk for the Hungry, and his church. He loved to golf, fish, and spend time at their lake place at Leaf Lake in Minnesota. Les & Eun loved to travel and made numerous trips to Scandinavia and Hawaii.
Les is survived by daughters, Linda (Dwight) Ness, Karen (Jack) Lind; son, Steve (Brenda) Wassberg; son in-law, Doug Gilliss; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Carolyn) Ness, Matthew (Careen Jewel) Ness, Richard (Melissa) Ness, Sarah (Chad) Johnson, Rachel (Sam) Frisell, Ben Lind, Alexandra (Matthew) Lund, Shane (Laura) Gilliss, Seth (Shania) Gilliss; eight great-grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Les was preceded in death by his beloved Eun; daughter, Kristin; parents, Fred and Frieda; brother, John; in-laws & nephews.
Masks will be required at the service.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Leslie Wassberg, please visit our flower store.
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Monday, September 13, 2021
Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)
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