Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard will be on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Fr. Raphael Obotama will celebrate the Mass with burial to follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Scranton.  There will be a Rosary and Vigil Service on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel in Bowman beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The family has requested and with the ND State Mandate that masks be worn in the sanctuary and social distancing be followed. We ask that you respect the wishes of Leonard's family.  Visitation for Leonard will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 12-9 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Hope Manor, PO Box 1301, Bismarck, ND 58502.  Mass will also be livestreamed and we will update with a link as its available.

https://www.facebook.com/mark.pierce.35977

A caring grandfather, father, friend and proud retired coal miner became an angel on November 6, 2020 at the age of 74. Leonard Robert Pierce of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Scranton and Beulah, passed away peacefully in Mesa, AZ. He was affectionately known as "Papa Leonard" and always had a smile on his face.

Leonard was born in Bowman on January 2, 1946 and was the son of Robert and Edna (Johnson) Pierce. Growing up, he and his brothers and sister worked on the family farm and in 1963 he graduated from Scranton High School.  Upon graduating, he headed south with his future brother-in-law and dear friend Bill as a custom combiner. Leonard made many lifelong friends growing up in Scranton and continued to build relationships in every town he lived in. He remained anchored to his roots and continued to reach out and check on friends, reminisce and offer encouragement to anyone who needed it. He lived a life of faith and confidence while never having a negative thing to say.

On October 1, 1966, Leonard married Jane Marie Henderson in Scranton. They lived in Scranton and later moved to Parker, AZ before returning home to North Dakota in 1972. Together, they had three sons, Michael, Mark and Matthew.

He found his calling as a coal miner for Knife River Coal in Gascoyne and later in Beulah before retiring. Being a coal miner made him proud and he was an avid proponent of the industry because of the opportunities it brought to families in North Dakota. He enjoyed his work and and the people he met and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime while endearing himself to each community.

Leonard adored his grandkids and enjoyed watching them blossom as they grew up while always making time to be involved. He enjoyed playing cards (especially winning), pickle ball, taking a walk, being active, and North Dakota high school sports. He always kept an eye on scores and schedules throughout the year regardless of where he was. Most of all, he appreciated the simple things and the friendships he made along the way. He was always grateful and most of all enjoyed family.

Leonard will be remembered for his kindness and thoughtfulness and was always looking to help others. He was a loving, supportive and thoughtful and always put other people before himself and will be deeply missed by many. He saw the good in everything and encouraged those around him by building confidence, showing support and providing hope.

Leonard is survived by his sons, Michael (Rebecca) Pierce of Gilbert, AZ, Mark (Shauna) Pierce of Beulah, Matthew (Melissa) Pierce of Dickinson; six granddaughters, Madison, Meghan, Sadie, Ella, Lainey and Adelle; his sister, Janice (Glenn) Heiser of Dickinson, ND; his brothers, Keith (Peggy) Pierce of Mesa, AZ, Vernon (Roxanne) Pierce of Scranton, ND, Curt (Kelly) Pierce of Mandan, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Leonard in death were his wife and soulmate Jane Pierce and his parents Robert and Edna Pierce.