August 6, 1947 – February 13, 2022
Leonard James Martian was born to Jacob and Angeline Martian on August 6, 1947 in rural Glencross.
He grew up on the Martian family farm where he enjoyed many fond moments of speaking German, even when the teacher didn’t allow it, and “raising Cain” on the farm with his brothers and sisters. From all the great stories of his childhood the one common denominator was the pranks and laughter he shared with his brothers and sisters.
Leonard met Raetta (Haack) in high school in Timber Lake. They were friends for many years and when the opportunity to date her came up he jumped at the chance and quickly asked for her hand in marriage. He went from bachelor life to instant family with a wife and two kids.
In 1984 Leonard and Raetta moved to Bismarck, where they resided until his death. Leonard was a farmer for many years in Glencross before moving to Bismarck. While in Bismarck he worked at The Manchester House caring for foster children by cooking their favorite meals. He later was a certified nurse assistant at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. He finished his working career at Menards, where he enjoyed the company of fellow employees.
Leonard loved cooking for others with his special chicken noodle soup and “dumphnoodla” with watermelon. He enjoyed gardening and was always proud of how well his vegetables turned out at the end of the season. He also loved fishing with a passion where he would take Rae along the banks of the Missouri River. He would have a peaceful day of fishing followed by snags, small fish, and a few good ones, always hoping for the whopper to tag his line. Raetta and Leonard had a marriage of 43 years filled with a deep love for one another; they were inseparable.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Raetta; daughter LaVonne Parsons (Dean Foell); son Justin (Michelle) Voller; grand children Darby Parsons, Chelsea Crimmons (Jason), Alicia Parsons, and Derrick Parsons, and Jaxon and Isabella Voller; brother Jerome and sisters Charlotte, Julianne, and Marcella.
Leonard had many great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gerald, Herbert, Larry and Richard; one sister Lorraine; a son-in-law Richard Parsons; and grandson Ricky Parsons.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
(Condolences may be sent in care of LaVonne Parsons, 2501 39th Ave. S, Fargo, ND 58104.)