Peter William Leland

Peter “Pete” William Leland, 83, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, under the care of Hospice.

Pete was born on May 16, 1941, to Jacob Engval and Elanor Gertrude (Nelson) Leland in Richwood Township, MN. He attended District #30 country school as the only student in his grade from 1st through 8th grade. Pete later graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1959. Following high school, Pete served in the National Guard from 1960 to 1963. He began his career with the Northern Pacific Railroad, which later became Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. Pete worked as a dedicated signal maintainer for over 40 years, retiring in January 2002. In addition to his railroad career, he also enjoyed driving a school bus for Olander.

On September 16, 2000, Pete married Frances “Fran” Holt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Together they shared a love for travel, exploring destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. They also cherished time spent at the lake with family and friends.

Pete was a man of the outdoors who found joy in deer hunting, fishing, and cutting wood. He was known for his hardworking nature and devotion to his family. He loved camping and introduced his children to activities like deer hunting and ice fishing. His grandchildren were a source of immense pride and happiness; he was affectionately called “Grandpa Pete,” a nickname he cherished deeply.

Pete also valued community and camaraderie. He looked forward to Friday morning breakfasts with retired friends and was always approachable and kind-hearted. Though he left flowers to Fran’s care, Pete’s passion for nature and the outdoors defined much of his life.

Pete is survived by his wife, Fran, his children: Terri (Hoot) Kasowski of Buffalo, ND, and Erin (Mark) Leland of Hagersville, ON, CANADA, step-children: Sandy (Chris) Lindberg of Detroit Lakes, Cheryl (Paul) Wermager of Nisswa, MN, Randy Ahlfs of Argyle, TX, grandchildren: Ashley (Nic) Coles of Bismarck, ND, Jordan (Dylan) Jewett of Casselton, ND, step-grandchildren: Tonya Wermager of Nisswa, MN, Ben Wermager of Nisswa, MN, Lexi (Adam) Thompson of Buxton, ND, Ashley (Alec) Wold of Detroit Lakes, MN, Jenna (Seb) Lindberg of Detroit Lakes, MN, Jacob Ahlfs of Argyle, TX, Samantha Ahlfs of Argyle, TX, great-grandchildren: Grady, Kinley, Brody, Cedar, Easton all of Bismarck, ND, Hadley and Haisley of Casselton, ND, step great-grandchildren: Tayton Wermager of Nisswa, MN, Breccan Wold of Detroit Lakes, MN, Briggs Wold of Detroit Lakes, MN, Bryson Thompson of Buxton, ND and Elsie Thompson of Buxton, ND, siblings: Paul (Virginia) Leland of Detroit Lakes, Corrine (Dennis) Haider of Waubun, MN, sisters-in-law: Sue Leland of Medina, ND, and Robin (Harold) Miller of Baker, MT.

He is preceded in death by his son, Steven Leland, his children's mother, Sharon Hanson, parents, Jacob and Elanor Leland, brothers, Wallace and Leonard, and a number of uncles and aunts. 

Visitation: 10AM to 11AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Memorial Service: 11AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Inurnment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN in the spring of 2025.