Leslie Lea Lennick

Leslie Lea (Becker) Lennick, born on November 20, 1952, at Bismarck Hospital, daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Kaelberer) Becker, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a valiant struggle with cancer, which she handled with grace and dignity.

Leslie attended country school from 1st to 4th grade and graduated from New Salem High School in 1970. She then attended Bismarck Junior College for two years, where she lettered in track and excelled in the hurdles.

In 1973, Leslie began dating her "beefcake," Melvin Lennick. Although they knew of each other throughout high school, their romance blossomed later. They married on May 17, 1975, at Peace Church in New Salem, ND. Throughout their blessed marriage, they were proud parents of three boys: Shane, Derek, and Kurt. Les was incredibly proud of her boys and their accomplishments.

In 1978, Leslie and Melvin moved to Center, ND. Leslie worked at Northwestern Bell for 17 years while raising her young family. In 2004, she began working as the Secretary at Center High School. She also dedicated 35 years to the Oliver County Ambulance, showcasing her commitment to helping others.

Leslie was a fantastic gardener, and her backyard was a masterpiece admired by many. She had a talent for recreating beautiful holiday home decor from items she repurposed from rummage sales, displaying her artistic and resourceful nature. Leslie was a very involved Center United Methodist Church member and held numerous statewide and district positions with "The Women of Today."

Leslie always attended every match or game of her boys' sporting events. The only exception was during their state championship matches, which she watched later because she was too nervous to watch live. Thankfully, they won them all. Family holidays were Leslie's masterpiece, down to the side dishes. She cherished these gatherings and loved it when everyone came together.

Leslie is survived by her devoted husband, Melvin Lennick; her three sons, Shane (Nita) and their children, Shayla, Gage, and Bennett; Derek (Vanessa) and their children, Lane, Piper, and Evan; Kurt (Christal) and their son, Brady. She is also survived by her sister, Cheryl (Steve) Strinden; sisters-in-law, Kristi Becker, Kathy Ustanko, and Lynette Lennick; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Leslie held friendship in high regard and left behind many special friends who enriched her life and whom she cherished deeply.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Dorothy Becker; her in-laws, Theodore, and Lydia Lennick; her brother, Craig Becker; brothers-in-law, Herb Lennick, John Holzer, and Jim Ustanko; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Opp and Millie Holzer; nephews, Charles Becker and Monty Holzer; and niece, Patty Opp. 

A celebration of Leslie's life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Oliver County Ambulance in her honor. Leslie Lea Lennick will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her spirit will live on in the memories of her family and friends, and her love will continue to guide them.

Rest in peace, Leslie. Your courage and grace will forever be remembered.