Arnold G. “Arnie” Leingang, 74, Mandan, died February 1, 2015 in Jackson, Wyoming.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Nick Schneider as celebrant. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery, Mandan.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2015 from 3:00-9:00 pm at Weigel Funeral Home, with a Christian Mothers Rosary at 5:00 pm and a Parish Vigil at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Arnie was born on April 26, 1940 to George G. and Rose (Haider) Leingang in Mandan, ND. He was raised on the family farm south of Mandan. He worked on the farm helping his parents until he was 21 years old when he and his parents moved to Mandan. Although Arnie only had an 8th grade education he was determined to prove he could do anything.
Arnie married Georgian Schmidt on October 17, 1962 in Mandan. They raised 3 children, Tim, Tom and Toni. Together they bought and sold their homes until they built their final home in 1976. During this time they also bought some rental properties and decided to keep only one duplex for their retirement years.
He was a talented and skilled plasterer and could plaster and stucco anything. Many houses and buildings in the area have the “Arnie” touch on them. He began working for Roy Otto Plastering as a laborer and soon after was an apprentice plasterer. When Roy decided to quit the business Arnie bought the business and he and Reuben Otto continued as plasterers. After a few years he decided to sell to Scherr Plastering and he worked for them for 25 years when he retired.
Arnie took pride in his work and in 1990 was awarded Craftsman Award for having demonstrated exemplary workmanship and an ability to lead and coordinate the work of others. This award was presented by the ND Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was very proud of this recognition and finally received the validation that he needed for a job well done.
Arnie was a member of the Moose Club and attended Christ the King Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was a very social guy and enjoyed his morning and afternoon “Coffee Clutch” at Hardees, Burger King and the Mandan Moose Club. He was a big man with a bigger heart. Arnie loved his family dearly and was always ready to help them and anyone else who was in need.
Arnie will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Georgian, Mandan, ND; daughter, Toni (Todd Ustrud) Leingang, Rapid City, SD; sons, Tim Leingang, Granite Falls, WA and Tom (Cindy) Leingang, Mandan, ND; grandchildren, Samantha (Sam) Leingang and Benjamin (Ben) Leingang; sisters, Helen (Bill) Kuntz, Mandan, ND, Laura (Richard) Wycarus, Capron, Il and Eldean (Bill) Fitterer, Mandan, ND; brothers, Frank, Raymond (Nell), and Bob (Mary Ann), all of Mandan, ND and Leo and Ron (Betty) Leingang; both of Bismarck, ND, brothers-in-law, Ed Fitterer, Mandan, ND and Richard Bullinger, Bismarck, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Caroline Bullinger, Janice Fitterer and Janice at 6 years old and sister-in-law, Eileen Leingang.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Diabetes Association or Make A Wish Foundation.