LeRoy Bietz

Leroy Allyn Bietz, 86, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025 under the care of Ethos Hospice at SMP St. Catherine's North in Fargo.

Leroy was born in Valley City, ND on August 14, 1938 to Gideon and Agnes (Bauck) Bietz. The oldest of 5 children, they lived in the Valley City area, with Leroy graduating from Casselton High School after they moved to Durbin, ND in 1954. He attended Valley City State University for one year at which point he started to work for Northwest Airlines. He enlisted in the US Air Force on September 13, 1961 and served one tour in Vietnam. He was a Loadmaster for the C-130 and AC-47 in the 1st Air Commandos. He was honorably discharged September 8, 1965 having received three Air Medals.

He returned to Northwest Airlines when he completed his service, when he met Mary Walrath who was a Reservation Agent. They were married on April 29, 1967. They always lived in north Fargo, where they raised their children, Glenn and Katie. He worked for Northwest for 42 years until his retirement. After retirement he kept busy driving for Handi-Wheels, NAPA, and provided daycare for his grandchildren. Leroy and Mary never missed a sporting event of their kids and grandkids. They loved being active, traveling and camping with their family, especially time spent at Strawberry Lake.

Leroy always put family first, and he will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; children, Glenn (Julie) Bietz; Katie (Steve) Lyman, along with Joe Kennedy; grandchildren, Alex, Andrew, Ethan, Ben, Gavin, Henry, and Evelyn; siblings, Larry (Jo) Bietz, Lorren (Alpha) Bietz, Ane (Ron) Suckow, and Ted (Linda) Bietz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Monica Isaacson.