Frances Marie Lee

   Frances (Leland) Lee, 95, Portland, ND, died peacefully Friday, January 6, 2023, at Union Hospital, Mayville, ND surrounded by her loving family and tender caregivers.

   Frances Marie Leland was born October 22, 1927, at home-on the farm-in Steele County, rural Portland, the daughter of Herman Anton Leland and Oline Marie (Mikkalsen) Leland. She spoke only Norwegian when she started school at Primrose Township #2; she graduated from Portland High School in 1945, where she lettered in cheerleading. As World War II was raging, she enlisted in the US Cadet Nurse Corps and received her nurses training at St. Lukes Hospital in Fargo. Frances was willing to serve, but the war ended prior to her graduation. She returned to her home community and practiced nursing for over 51 years at Union Hospital -a treasured mentor to so many.

   Frances married Bennie Lee “a handsome gentlemen” on September 27, 1953, at Bang Lutheran Church, rural Portland, ND. Together, they farmed west of Portland and were blessed with four children. Theirs was a true partnership. When Bennie died almost 25 years ago, (January 7, 1998), she “missed him every day”.

   She lived independently until she entered Union Hospital for her journey home-the hospital that she loved and where she had helped so many. Frances found joy everywhere! Hers was a lifetime of humble service-to her family, to her community and to her Lord and Savior.

   She was blessed with a beautiful life.

   Frances is survived by her two sons: Brian (Michelle), Apple Valley, MN and David (Andrea), Hatton, ND; two daughters: Karen (Gary) Jordan, Sioux Falls, SD and Dr. Glenda Lee, Milwaukee, WI; four grandchildren: Jayne (Mike) Hebert, Erik (Ashley) Lee, Heather (Zach) Hagberg and Julia Lee; one great grandchild: Brynlee Hagberg and numerous nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her three brothers: John, Arthur and Einar Leland; two sisters: Hennie (Leland) Hanson and Clara (Leland) Rud.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Monday, January 9, 2023 with a 6:30 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Bang Cemetery in Portland, ND.