Leon John Arnold

Leon John Arnold, 88, of Esmond, ND died Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in a Harvey care center.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday September 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church followed by a rosary and prayer service at 7 p.m. Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey.

Leon John Arnold was born on October 10, 1937, in Maddock, ND to John and Mary (Welk) Arnold. He grew up on the family farm SE of Esmond. He attended Benson County Aggies Public School in Maddock and graduated in 1955. Leon served in the National Guards for six years. Leon farmed with his dad and brother David. Leon is the second-oldest child of 10 siblings. Leon married the love of his life, Cheryl Ann Leintz on January 25, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selz. Together they raised four children, Jacqueline, Lynn, James and Lyle.

Leon was a farmer and rancher through and through—his second love, after family. He farmed alongside his dad and brother for many years, and later with his two sons, Lynn and James, until just a few years ago. His love for the family farm and the land ran deep.

Leon loved being outdoors, whether he was planting and tilling his trees, helping move machinery, or simply taking a drive to make sure everything was going well. He enjoyed reading, especially anything related to history and ancestry, and he was known for making his famous vegetable soup.

Leon loved to visit with people, whether they were complete strangers or close family and friends. He made daily calls to his children, grandchildren and close family and friends just to check in, share a funny story, and to hear what was just going on. He never said goodbye—only, “Talk to you later.”

Leon was a member of the St. Boniface Knights of Columbus, served as a trustee on the St. Boniface Council, and served on the Rich Valley Township Board. Above all, Leon was a strong and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Leon John Arnold is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Cheryl Arnold; children Jacqueline (Jonathon Rosenberg), Lynn (Robin) Arnold, James (Misti) Arnold, and Lyle (Sherry) Arnold. Grandchildren: Dustin Tarnasky, Kathryn (Adam) Wolter, Alison Tarnasky, Jacob Arnold, Andrea Arnold, Caitlyn (Trent) Roemmich, Devin (Olivia) Arnold, MacKenna (Garrett) Weisser. Great grandchildren: Kayla Wolter, Alex Wolter, Ella Roemmich, Milo Roemmich, Ivey Roemmich, Sophia Arnold, Kael Arnold, Nora Arnold, Wesley Arnold and Delaney Arnold; brothers, David Arnold and John Arnold Jr.; sisters, Gloriann Volk, Anastasia Jaeger, Bonnie Hagen, Susan Bachmeier, Arlene Hoffner.

He is proceeded in death by his son, baby boy, father, John Arnold, mother, Mary Arnold, sisters, Patricia Chase and Alice Long.