Alfa Leiseth
Alfa Leiseth, 74, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, in Rapid City, S.D. Alfa was born July 1, 1940, in Watford City, N.D., the daughter of Irene and Martin Monsen. She grew up on the family farm on the Monsen Homestead south of Arnegard, N.D. Alfa attended Cherry School until 8th grade then graduated from Arnegard High School in 1958. During high school, Alfa was involved in choir, band, cheerleading, and played basketball for the Arnegard Spuds.
Alfa was united in marriage to the love of her life, Olaf Leiseth Jr., on July 16, 1965. Olaf and Alfa lived in Patent Gate Township for three years and then moved three miles north of Arnegard N.D. Alfa enjoyed driving the school bus for several years and then began working for the Good Shepherd Home as an AID and then as Assistant Physical Therapist. Alfa worked 32 years at the home where she was instrumental in creating the Walk to Dine Program. Alfa was very passionate and worked very hard to keep residents as active as possible. Alfa moved to Rapid City in 2011 and lived at the Victorian Assisted Living Center. Most recently, she was loved and assisted by the staff at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
Alfa was a confirmed member of the Wilmington Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Sons of Norway, Hobby Club, Long X Wagon Train, Charter Member of the Arnegard Ladies Lions Club, and a competitive prestige member of the Arnegard Pinnacle Club. Alfa enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, collecting dolls, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Alfa enjoyed farm and ranch life, and was a loyal friend, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Alfa is survived by her children Peggy (Scott) Hellandsaas, Terry (Lisa) Fox, Tammy (Kit) James, Jody (Melissa) Leiseth, Denice (John) Murphy, and Susan McCormick; one brother Carmen (Lois) Monsen; 15 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Olaf; one son, Duane; and two sisters, Marjorie Stedman and Clarice Monsen.
Funeral services for Alfa were held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2015, at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D., with Pastor Dan Paulson officiating. Interment was in Wilmington Lutheran Cemetery, Arnegard, N.D., under the direction of Fulkerson Funeral Home of Watford City. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.