Leroy Barnick

Leroy Barnick, 94, Jud, North Dakota passed away peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2025 at SMP Health -Ave Maria nursing home, Jamestown, North Dakota.

Leroy Barnick was born on May 8, 1930 to Harvey and Freda (Spitzer) Barnick in Edgeley, North Dakota. He grew up on the farm near Jud and graduated from Jud high school in 1948. He then attended North Dakota State University where he received his Agriculture education degree and student taught in LaMoure, ND.  Leroy met Thelma Bakke while both were teaching school in LaMoure.  They were married at Sheyenne Lutheran Church, Pekin ND on June 26, 1955 and celebrated 66 years together before Thelma's passing in April, 2022. After their wedding, they lived at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where Leroy was stationed with the US Army. They then returned to the family farm, rural Jud, ND where they lived and worked until they were 90 years of age. They were blessed with 4 children. For several years, 3 generations worked the grain and cattle farm together.

Leroy was a man of faith and family. He served on church, school and township boards. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and reading. He loved to socialize, to spend time with family and friends,  and could easily talk to strangers. He was on a bowling league in Nortonville. He was a good dancer - waltzing was his favorite. Leroy and Thelma received the Outstanding Agriculturist Award from NDSU Alumni Association for service to the agriculture industry. Leroy's care for his family and those around him was evident with his ready smile and friendliness. His many humorous sayings still echo in our heads and have now passed down to his grandchildren.

Leroy is survived by children: Carol (Neil) Erickson of Brookings, SD, Donna ( Mark) Olson of Blue Earth, MN, Douglas (Barb) Barnick of Jud, ND, and Joanne Barnick of Jamestown, ND; six grandchildren:  Tyler (Rachel) Erickson of Brookings, SD, Tonia (Matthew ) Hulst of Denver, CO, Marie (Matthew) Mehlhaf of Menno, SD, Courtney (Derrick) Seiler of Moorhead, MN, Tonie (Andrew) Stoen of Jamestown, ND, and Sonni (Taylor) Nagel of Fargo, ND; eight great-grandchildren: Zadok and Hannah Erickson, Aila, Selah and Bode Hulst, Willow Seiler, Navy and Isaac Nagel; sister-in-law, Joan Bakke; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; parents, Harvey and Freda Barnick; sister, Rosanne Bird; brother-in-law Wayne Bird; brother-in-law, Elmer Bakke; and in-laws, Elmer and Tilda Bakke.

Funeral Service – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Rev. Erik Weber officiating.

Visitation – One hour before the service at the church.

Burial – Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.