Lee A. Snortland

Have fun. Love you.

These were two phrases that Lee would often use in his communication. And you know what? Like all of us, he was not perfect and he had flaws. But buddy, let me tell you what. He was fun, and he embodied love. Lee loved family, friends, politics, the warmth of Las Vegas, reading, gambling and was also a great storyteller, especially to his nieces, Heather and Emmalee, who he loved beyond measure.

Lee Alan Snortland, formerly of Tolna, ND, was born May 16, 1951 to Edward Snortland and Aleda (Emma) Anderson Snortland. Lee attended Tolna High School and was a Salutatorian in the Class of 1969. Lee followed the advice of Kenny Rogers in the song “The Gambler – And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.” God was good to Lee to allow this to happen. Lee passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Borg Pioneer Memorial Home in Mountain, ND, after battling several health issues over the years.

Lee attended North Dakota State University. While at NDSU, he had worked for both the Student Union and NDSU Library, which fit perfectly into his love of reading.

He had already been working on the farm for his father and mother for several years. Eventually, he decided to return to the family farm to assist them on a consistent basis.

Through the years, he had worked as a laborer in the Tolna Turkey plant, construction in Colorado, and with an auto dealership in Minot, ND. He loved being in Las Vegas, but he also missed his home state of North Dakota and would often return and stay for extended periods of time. One of those times was to help our Mom through her battle with and eventual death from gallbladder cancer.

His greatest skill was being a caregiver. The late, great Fred Rogers put it this way: “Look For The Helpers.” Lee was a helper, whether it was bringing his Mom or Dad to medical appointments, working on the farm, being a point person for both family and law enforcement during a traumatic tragedy in 1976, helping people move in many different circumstances, ripping up basement carpets after a flood or taking care of his nieces. He was an awesome navigator for his sister, Louise, when his niece Heather had to go to Mayo Clinic and Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Lee could be incredibly ornery, but he also had a heart of gold and was beyond generous. One cousin said he was the kindest man she had ever known. One of his best friends said that Lee was a friend to everybody. Keith and Louise will miss the good times they spent with their brother and are thankful for the gifts Lee brought to this life. Keith would kid him that he has to write another Bingo book. Their joke competition would often be never ending, but very enjoyable. When they had the chance to travel to a local destination, a construction sign said, “Bump Ahead.” Keith bumped Lee in the head. Lee was a little surprised and said, “What’d you do that for?” Keith said “The sign told me to bump a head. I’m just listening to the sign.” His appreciation for humor, even when it was occasionally at his own expense, his kindness, his love…those are just a few of the countless ways he made an enormously positive difference in so many people’s lives.

His genuine interest in people was often most intriguing. He was truly interested in how things worked and how people felt. He cared. He had empathy, was compassionate and a great listener, gave awesome backrubs, and like his Mom and Dad before him, along with Keith and Louise, gave wonderful hugs.

He loved watching news programs and kept an open mind, flipping channels between FOX, MSNBC, CBS, and the myriad of cable television programs. Lee would often joke that he had to watch FOX, just so he could get his blood pressure up. He was incredibly well informed and very well read. His brother-in-law has also pointed out and respected Lee’s skill in Jeopardy. In fact, Lee was on a local television show in the 1960s called ‘Teen Quiz’ with junior classmates Louine Knutson Ness and David Gutting. They teamed up to beat Red Lake Falls, MN, 78-32. Louine related the story of how Lee came up with 10 of those points on one tricky, unexpected question regarding a ‘famous landmark’ about the Mediterranean Sea. His knack for humor was recognized when he shared Master of Ceremony duties with Maureen Schindele Kopp at the Senior Spotlight.

Lee’s health began failing in recent years, with a stroke about nine years ago, and Diabetes in recent years. As a young child, he had to battle back from Leg Perthes Disease which put him in a wheelchair. Back then, the bones in both his legs were broken as the doctors worked to treat him. He eventually progressed to crutches and was able to walk. As his brother-in-law Philip has said, he has beaten the odds numerous times.

Lee was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad, several aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Lee is survived by his brother, Keith Snortland (Joan Larson), Fargo, ND; his sister, Louise Snortland-Hall (Philip Hall), Pembina, ND; niece, Heather Hall (partner Carl Hermanson) and eventual new great niece, Grand Forks, ND; and niece, Emmalee Nota (Allan Nota), Fargo, ND; and numerous cousins and friends who also deeply love him and will miss him dearly.

The Funeral Service for Lee will be held at the American Lutheran Church of Tolna, ND, on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will be in the Tolna Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Monday for 1 hour prior to the service.

Those serving as casket bearers include Allan Nota, Carl Hermanson, Marc Halvorson, Mike Ness, Dale Nelson, Merle Forde, David Risinger, Dale Haas, and Dwight Haas.

Those serving as honorary casket bearers include Keith Snortland, Lorray Dervin, Gloria Creen, Joe Dervin, Curtis Twete, Connley Anderson, Duane Flaagan, the Class of 1969, Angels of Las Vegas, and anyone who has showed him love & kindness and shared good humor with Lee.

The family prefers memorials to Twin Cities Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; First Link www.myfirstlink.org or call 701-293-6462; or Churches United, Moorhead, Minnesota, or call 218-325-4993.