Leland 'Lee' Lester Roehl, 70

Leland "Lee" Lester Roehl, 70, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born on May 27, 1935, to John and Helen (Wagner) Roehl in New Leipzig, N.D., where he grew up with his brother and two sisters.

Lee loved people, sports, and to cause "mischief" having fun. No one was a stranger to him. Family, close and extended, was very dear to him, but closest was the Lord Jesus Christ. A note left in his Bible stated, "When I die - I know where I am. Do you know where you would go if you were lying here (dead)? Seek Jesus."

Lee started school in a one-room schoolhouse in Grant County, N.D. and graduated from New Leipzig High School on May 24, 1956.

Working in Anaconda at the copper smelter, he fell in love and married Judy Mostad, on July 11, 1959. They had three beautiful children.

Lee is probably best known as a fearless ironworker, working out of Kalispell Local #14. He helped build missile silos, the Libby Dam, the Alaskan Pipeline, and various other projects locally and nationwide. He started his work history working on a farm and was involved in trucking throughout his lifetime. Lee enjoyed riding his Harley through Glacier Park; good conversations with family and friends; and he could be seen at any sporting event throughout the Flathead. He was also a member of the Christian Center for over 25 years. His strong faith in the Lord inspired his children and strangers alike.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by one son, John Roehl and wife, Karen, of Kalispell; two daughters, Rhonda Marcus and husband, Greg, of Portland, and Robin Main and husband, John, of Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren, LeAnn, Jesse, Hunter, Austin, Jessica and Cody; his two sisters, Laverne Roberts and Ramona Galarita; as well as his brother, Floyd Roehl.

Visitation for Leland will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the Christian Center/Assembly of God with Pastor John Gregg officiating. Burial will follow at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given in Lee's name to the University of Washington Medicine Development office, Department of Cardiology, 1325 4th Ave., Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98101-2506.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Lee's family.