Leroy F. Baier

Leroy F. Baier, age 73 of St. Thomas, ND passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at his home in St. Thomas. Leroy F. Baier was born September 4, 1938 in Drayton, ND, the son of Evelyn (Torrey) Baier and the late Ferdinand Baier. He attended school in Kempton, ND, Warren, MN and Fordville, ND. He entered the U.S. Navy on June 9, 1959, serving all over the world. He was united in marriage to Darla Pfannsmith and had two children: Lynn and Tammy. He later married Marietta Maddlena and together they had one child Matthew and step-daughters Karen and Barbara. He returned to the Fordville area where he worked various jobs in the area and was currently working for Altendorf Trucking. He was united in marriage to Lorene (Ness) Trenda on June 21, 2002 in Grand Forks, ND. The couple made their home in St. Thomas where he resided until the time of his death. Leroy loved spending time with his family and his friends at the cafe. He loved visiting with people and loved his dogs Peanut and Bandit. He loved all things NASCAR. Leroy was very instrumental in establishing the Veterans Memorial Garden in St. Thomas. Leroy was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, St. Thomas, the Ottum-Ball American Legion Post #168 and was the current commander, he was mayor of St. Thomas until he had to resign due to his declining health, and he served on the city council. He is survived by his wife Lorene Baier, St. Thomas, ND; step daughters: Lisa Trenda (Aaron Gbainyee), Fargo, ND; Kari (Bill) Steffen, Fargo, ND; ten grandchildren, including Izabella and Matthew Steffen, Fargo, ND; mother Evelyn Baier, Park River, ND; brother Roger (Linda) Baier, Mayville, ND. He was preceded in death by his father Ferdinand and half sister Carol Carlson. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the St. John's Lutheran Church, St Thomas, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 with at prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Bruce Cemetery, Cavalier, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Ottum-Ball American Legion Post #168 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.