Leonard Charles Wells

Leonard Wells, age 75, of Waubun, MN, lost his courageous battle to cancer on Monday, June 8, 2015, at his home under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley. Leonard Charles Wells was born April 25, 1940, to Alfred and Madelyn (Van Oss) Wells in White Earth, MN. As a young boy, his parents moved to Portland, OR, to seek employment. Over the next several years, Len spent time between Minnesota and Oregon. He graduated from St. Helen’s High School in Oregon and began working as a sawmill hand. At the same time, Len was part of the volunteer firemen’s crew for several years. He eventually became employed as a full time fireman and retired as a Lieutenant after 25 years of dedicated service. On his days off, Len helped out at Keith Forsythe’s motorcycle shop called “Pit Stop”. In 1974, Leonard married Lois Hendricksen and they lived together in Oregon until returning to the White Earth Reservation in 1997. While living in Waubun, Len was very active with the MN Wisdom Steps and the Elders Program. Above all, Len loved his family, animals and children, especially his grandchildren. He showed concern and support for the youth and was on the board for the Boys and Girls Club for many years. Other hobbies Len enjoyed were gardening, taking photos and Wednesday night Bingo. Over the years, he also found pure entertainment in many of the Firemen’s Muster events he attended. Len enjoyed road racing motorcycles and stock cars. In his teens, he set bowling pins by hand to earn money to purchase his 1946 Harley. Some years later, that same motorcycle ended up in pieces in many different boxes. During his retirement years, Len worked at a custom motorcycle shop and began a total restoration of his 1946 Harley Davidson. However, it was never completed until recently when Chuck Hamm with donations from many caring and thoughtful friends worked together so Len could see, hear and actually sit on his motorcycle once again. He was overwhelmed with the gesture and beamed from ear to ear. Leonard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lois; two sons, Leonard “Scott” Wells of St. Helens, OR, and Brett (Kimberly) Smith of Portland OR; two daughters, Candi (Shaun) Cushman of Glide, OR, and Penny Wells of Forest Grove, OR; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jay Hendricksen of Prineville, OR; sister-in-law, Neva (Ron) Coghlin of Gloster, MS; and many nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Georgie “Dit” Wells; and brother, Pierre “Tuney” Marcell Lord. A Memorial Service was held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the White Earth Community Center. A time of gathering was one hour before the service. Inurnment took place at Calvary Cemetery.

Leonard Charles Wells

April 25, 1940 - June 8, 2015