Remembering Leonard Conley

Leonard Paul Conley, retired maintenance supervisor, 70, of Grand Forks, passed away Feb. 18 at Altru Hospital with family at his side.  He was 70.

He was born on Nov. 14, 1941 to William and Agnes (Dunn) Conley in Edgeley, N.D. He attended St. Johns High School in Jamestown, and graduated in 1961. He played on the basketball and football team and was offered a scholarship but chose to enlist in the U.S. Army on Sept. 18, 1961. Leonard was honorably discharged Aug. 27, 1964, returning to Grand Forks to attend Bernells School of Cosmetology.

Leonard’s first job was Town and Country Salon in Grand Forks.  He went on to manage Kato’s Salon and soon purchased it.  He  worked at UND as maintenance supervisor and retired in November 2008. Leonard was an avid UND sports fan and enjoyed watching all the hockey and football games.

An active member of The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, he proudly served as an honor guard member of VFW Post 3817 and was offered the commander job, but declined.

Leonard was a great animal lover and shared his home with his cat, Tiger. He also enjoyed spending time with his sister-in-law Dee’s dog, Trixie.

He is survived by brothers, Melvin “Mel” Falon, Mont., Mark (Donna), Elk River, Minn.; two sisters, Marcella “Suzie” Behles, Sheridan Wyo., and Beanie Conley, Miles City, Mont.; two sisters-in-law, Delaine “Dee” (Donald Conley), Dorothy (Patrick Conley); and brother-in-law, Tom Vars (Margaret Mary “Conley”), Rollins, Mont.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and Patrick; a sister, Margaret Mary Vars; and a brother-in-law, John “Jack” Behles.

A special “Thank You” to Dave Lewandowski and Dee Conley for providing assistance to Leonard.

Military Honors: Members of the American Legion Post 157, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota National Guard.