Leona Lillian Haugstad, 90

Published 10:04 am Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Leona Lillian Haugstad, 90, Minot, formerly of Ryder, N.D. and Austin, Minn., died Sunday, March 6, 2011, in Minot.

Leona Haugstad

Leona was born Nov. 10, 1920, at Ryder, N.D., to Charles and Laura (Peterson) Ristvedt. She was raised and educated at Ryder and graduated from high school in 1938. She attended Minot State Teachers College and graduated with a degree in secondary education. She began her teaching career at Maddock and later taught at Columbus and Kenmare. Leona was united in marriage to Armand Haugstad on Aug. 4, 1946, in Ryder. They made their home at Noonan, where they both taught for three years. They soon moved to Minot, and continued teaching in the Minot Public School system until 1969. Leona was an English Arts instructor. They moved to Austin and taught there for a number of years until retiring in 1981. They settled back in Minot in 1983, spending a number of winters in Arizona. Armand died Oct. 22, 1997. Leona had most recently been a resident of The View.

Leona was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Minot, Sons of Norway, Minot Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge, as well as the American Legion. Leona was a wonderful pianist and had a deep love for music. She enjoyed reading and traveling, along with spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her loving family includes children, Harold (Darlene) Haugstad of Minot, Duane (Rita) Haugstad of Minot, Kay Lundquist of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Nicholas Lundquist, Kyle Haugstad and Jason (Amy) Ness; great-grandchildren, Ryen and Tori Ness.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Laura Lee Haugstad, infant son, Lynn Haugstad; sister, Marjorie Holte and brother, Paul Ristvedt.

Funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2011 in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.

Interment is at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot; Visitation is Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials be designated to the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or an organization of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).