Firemann Legreid, 92, Bismarck, formerly of Maddock, ND died April 1, 2010 at the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck.
Firemann was born March 14, 1918, in Maddock, the son of Gunder and Marie Legreid. He grew up and attended school in Maddock. On June 3, 1945, he married Mary Lois Dick, who had come to Maddock to teach school.
His first career was operating Legreid Dairy, with the dairy farm providing bottled and delivered milk to most of the Maddock community. In 1949 he obtained a master plumber’s license and started Legreid Plumbing and Heating, which served Maddock and the surrounding communities until 1984. He was instrumental in the development of the Maddock Community Center and active in North Viking Lutheran Church, Kiwanis and Sons of Norway.
In 1997 he and Mary Lois moved to Bismarck which afforded them the opportunity to keep abreast of legislative activities, expand their circle of friends and be closer to family. He maintained his interest in woodworking, creating many beautiful keepsakes. He loved gardening, wielding a hoe from his wheelchair in his final years. Firemann and Mary Lois traveled extensively in the United States and abroad.
Firemann’s parents came to America from Norway, and he took great pride in his Norwegian heritage. He instilled in his children his love for tradition and the importance of their roots, helping them and his grandchildren learn to make krumkake and lefse. Although Firemann would never have claimed to be a scholar, he was an excellent teacher, especially for his children and grandchildren. From the practical, such as how to repair the plumbing, to the profound, including life lessons in honesty, responsibility and the value of hard work, he provided much more for them than any classroom could. He was a student of current events, but his humble nature kept him from arguing politics. He was held in such high regard by his children that the worst thing they could do was disappoint him, and when they did, their punishment was self-inflicted.
Survivors include two sons, Harold (Linda), Frazee, MN, and Brad (Sherry), Bismarck; one daughter, Pam (Jim) Vukelic, Bismarck; six grandchildren, Brent (Andrea) Legreid, Anna (John) Dopp, Jacob and Janell Legreid and Reed Vukelic (fiancée Mollie Mullins) and Meredith Vukelic; three great-grandchildren, Ella and Casen Legreid and Krista Dopp; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Especially close to his heart were his Norwegian relatives, Anna, Gunnar, Feli og Endre Vik of Eidfjord, Norway.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lois, in 2002, his parents, and all of his siblings, Harold, Norolf, Leonard & Melvin Legreid and Myrtle Olson.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to a charity of your choice or North Viking Lutheran Church.
Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Thursday, April 15, 2010 at North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock, ND
Burial: North Viking Lutheran Cemetery, Maddock, ND.
Officiating: Pastor Allen Campbell
Eulogy: Jim Vukelic
Reading of the 23rd Psalm: Meredith Vukelic
Urn bearers: Jacob Legreid and Janell Legreid
Visitation: At the church an hour before the service
Music: Rachel Markestad and Jimmy Gilbertson, soloists and Audrey Hugelen, pianist
Dear Pam and entire Legreid Family, I read about your dad's death in the Fargo Forum. Death is always a hard thing to face, but he certainly lived a full life. Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time in your lives. Sandy Nelson (Your old 4-H Partner)
Rose and I spent many pleasant hours playing bridge and visiting with Mary Lois and Firemann. Firemann will be greatly missed by the multitude of friends he had. Ishmael Diede
Our very deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to all of your family. May memories surround you and bring you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Ansel and Peg Hakanson
Toni and I wish to express our deep sympathy at the loss of your loved one. As Visitation Preacher of Christ for Trinity, Bismarck, I visited Firemann for several years. We lived in Minnewaukan from 1963 to 1988 and knew Firemann as a fellow Bensonian. It was fun to talk about Benson County when I visited with Firemann. We so appreciated being invited to attend his 90th birthday open house. Each time I visited Firemann at Mo. Slope I appreciated the quilt hanging on the wall with the names of those who attended his 90th. We will miss Firemann. I am reminded of Paul's comment in Philippians: "For me to live is CHRIST; and to die is to have more of him." For Firemann it is the same. And now he has more of Christ awaiting that day of Resurrection when we will all be together once again in the very presence of Him who is our life, Jesus Christ. "May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans) Rev. Dick Smith
