Lee G. Ferguson

Lee Gene Ferguson, age 91 of Forest River, passed away in his winter home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was surrounded by his family as he quietly passed away on October 17, 2025. Lee’s life was defined by his devotion to his family, Forest River, and the land he farmed.

Lee was born on December 21, 1933 in his aunt Georgene’s home in Forest River, ND. His parents were Ray and Lily (Wilson) Ferguson. He graduated from Forest River High School in 1952. Unfortunately, he missed a year of school at a very young age due to a farming accident. He attended NDSU for a short time.

Lee grew up with a passion for baseball and that did not change over the course of his lifetime. A talented catcher, he played both Legion and Independent baseball. The Inkster Legion team picked him up as a catcher and they won state in 1950. They beat the famous “Maris brothers” of Fargo. Lee was too old for Legion ball the next year, so he went on to play Independent baseball for Grafton where they came up one run short of the championship in the 1954 North Dakota State Independent Baseball Tournament. There was a special gathering in 2023 for the three Inkster Legion teams who won the state baseball tournament 3 years in a row. Lee was one of the six living baseball players to be honored that day.

In November of 1956 Lee enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Tank Commander in Budingen, Germany. His love of the game continued as his company commander asked him to play fast-pitch softball while stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in August of 1958 and returned home to Forest River to work on the family farm.

He married his longtime love, Marilyn Jo Sobolik, (daughter of Herman and Bertina Sobolik) on June 30, 1959 in the Fordville Luthern Church in Fordville, ND. They made their home in Forest River where Lee was already farming with his dad and brother. Together they made a life centered on hard work and family. He also raised Purebred Charolais cattle. He had done some livestock judging and became interested in that breed. When he retired from his own farming operations, he joined Black Gold Farms and worked for many years as his work ethic remained strong. In 2019 Black Gold Farms honored him with the first ever Hall of Fame award. He was humbled and it was very special to him. He greatly enjoyed his work with them.

Lee was very community-minded from a young age. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a Past Elder. He was a member of the Central Building Committee in 1966 to establish the building of the Forest River Community Church. Once built, he became a member and served on the church board. Also, in 1966 he was a member of the Forest River Improvement Committee with one of the projects being a building which hosts the City Café/Post Office.

Lee served as Mayor of Forest River for 30 years and spent many years on the City Council after that. He was a 70-year Mason of St. John’s Lodge, a Past Master, and a lifetime member of the Kem Shrine (Mobil Nobles). He was a lifelong member of the Forest River American Legion. He served as Athletic Director for the Legion and volunteered to be Assistant Coach for the Midway Legion team . In 1979 he had the thrill of his life when they entered the State tournament with a perfect record of 27-0 . He spent 35 years on the Agassiz Water Board, 2 terms on the Forest River Elevator Board, and league bowled for the Elevator. He also belonged to the Eagles, Curling Club, VFW, and was a member of the Forest River Volunteer Fire Department. He drove the school bus for Forest River in his younger years and was a referee and umpire as well. Lee was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins, whether he was watching or listening to them on the radio, he now has the best seat in the house.

Lee and Marilyn moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in their later years to be with family. He got the added benefit of living close to his great-grandchildren who he loved dearly. If you would have asked him if there was anywhere else he would rather be, he would say Forest River.

Lee is survived by his son, Gary (Jami) Ferguson, his daughter, Debbie (Doug) Ferguson, granddaughter, Amy (Matthew) Kruse, and his beloved great- grandchildren, Everett Lee and Annabelle. He is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, parents, Raymond and Lily Ferguson, and his siblings, Rae Ann Larson, Mary Alice Lottine, and Jay Ferguson.

A funeral service will be held at the Forest River Community Church on Thursday, June 11 at 10:30 am. Military rites will be provided by the Forest River American Legion, Post 251, and the North Dakota National Honor Guard at the Memorial Park Cemetery of Forest River immediately following the funeral.