Uncle Ronnie was an all-time favorite of mine. He was my dad’s younger brother and stood with him as his best man in Dad’s two later marriages (after Mom’s passing), which lets me know Dad’s esteem for him as well. He was a regular guest as mom and dad opened their home to him throughout the years. At the time of Uncle Ronnie’s passing, my dear dad is beyond making these connections and so is spared the grief that might have been his at this time.
We were on different sides of the political aisle, but Uncle Ronnie’s great love for the Lord put us on the same side of what was important. Like Dad, Uncle Ronnie had the spiritual gift of helps and his good nature and ready humor always made it a good day when he was around. I will miss his kind influence in my life very much.
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Ronald Lee LeClerc
June 13, 1943 ~ March 29, 2020
Ronald Lee LeClerc, 76, of Bismarck, ND was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, March, 29th 2020.
Ronald (Ron) LeClerc was born June 13, 1943 in Devils Lake, ND, the 7th of 8 children born to Mae and Alex LeClerc. Ron attended school in Devils Lake and spent his summers on the family farm near Drayton, ND. While in high school Ron excelled at multiple sports, playing in the first North Dakota High School State Hockey Tournament as a senior in 1961 and was co-captain of his Football team. Ron graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1961 and furthered his education at Minot State University where he continued his football career. Ron graduated from Minot State in 1966 with a degree in Education, majoring in Physical Education. Ron’s teaching career briefly took him to the Standing Rock Reservation where one of his proudest accomplishments was opening the “Teen Canteen.” From Standing Rock, Ron took a position in Mohall, ND where he taught and coached until 1969 when he was drafted into the military. After serving his country, Ron enrolled at North Dakota State University where he focused on Community and Regional Planning. Upon completion of the graduate program, Ron was offered a position in Grafton, ND working for the Red River Regional Council. Ron was united in marriage to Katherine Waterworth on January 20, 1979. It was through this marriage that Ron became a father to Jason Waterworth and a proud father to his daughter Jessica Mae. It was in the fall of 1986 that Ron moved to Bismarck, ND to work for the State Economic Development Commission (EDC). Bismarck is where he would call home for the rest of his life. For 23 years Ron worked in Community
Economic Development at the local, regional and state levels. Ron’s work was instrumental in creating new job opportunities in state, including ethanol refineries and pasta plants. While working for the EDC he wrote and was responsible for the administration of the “BUILD” program, a statewide community economic development education & training program. Ron’s work was also influential in the “Sunday Opening Bill” having written a paper that would lead to legislation to allow for businesses in the state to be open on Sundays.
Ron’s hobbies included cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings to victory, collecting coins and North Dakota paraphernalia (particularly Buffalo), baking homemade goods that he would share with his friends, reading his Bible and daily devotional at 7am every morning. Ron was a North Dakota enthusiast, fiercely advocating for the people, places and things of his home state, so proud to call North Dakota his home.
A man of strong Christian faith, Ron lived his life putting the needs of others before his own, just as Jesus taught. He donated his time and money to various charities. One charity he held close to his heart was, “Friends of Chimbote,” a mission started by a family friend and fellow North Dakotan, Father Jack Davis. Ron’s concern and love for all was well known by all who knew him. He would offer food, shelter or simply a ride to those less fortunate. Ron was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Bismarck. He held numerous positions within the church, including Elder, Usher and a member of the Church Property Management Board. In his final years, Ron went to great lengths to care for his two brothers, Jerry and Warren. Ron will be remembered for his contagious smile and laughter and his warm heart.
Ron is survived by his daughter Jessica LeClerc, Sacramento, CA, and Jason (Maria) Waterworth, Buxton, ND. Grandchildren Cody, Chance, Caden and Chloe. Sisters Lillian (Gordon) Shafer and Rosalie (James) Ringstrom, Encinitas, CA, and brother Dale (Betsy) LeClerc, Monterey, CA, and Ray (Judy) LeClerc. Sisters-in law Collette LeClerc, Grand Forks, ND and Judy LeClerc, Grand Forks, ND. Brother-in law Gordon Shafer, Detroit Lakes, MN. Ron will be missed dearly by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and those who called him friend.
Ron was preceeded in death by his parents Mae and Alex LeClerc; fiancé Leslie Brandner; sister Beverly Schmidt; brothers Gerald LeClerc and Warren LeClerc; Sisters-in-law Myrna LeClerc and Luella LeClerc; brother-in-law Leo Schmidt as well as many aunts and uncles.
Shooting over the Horizon 