Dennis John Paul Leingang

Dennis John Paul Leingang, 75, passed peacefully on September 25th at his home in Fort Collins, CO, with loving family by his side after a 3-year battle with Cancer. Cremation is taking place, and the place and date of the Memorial Services are pending.

Dennis was born on October 9, 1948, to Lucas and Margaret (Marge) Leingang in Mandan, ND. He was the firstborn of eleven children. He was raised in Mandan, ND, and attended his early school years until graduating from Mandan Sr. High School.

As the eldest sibling, Dennis and his brother, who was closest to his age, worked on family farms during the summer and took on odd jobs, as well as his sister Mary, to contribute to the family. He helped his father, Lucas, with home construction and worked various jobs during his youth. Dennis had exciting stories about his experience working at the local dry cleaner. As is common in a large family, there were responsibilities such as chores, yard maintenance, looking after siblings, or whatever was needed at the time.

After high school, Dennis attended Bismarck State Community College for six months before enlisting in the Marine Corps. He served overseas during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. During his service, he earned several medals and badges, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. His education and training include half a year of Liberal Arts at community college, CommElectical School, MCR Dep, San Diego, CommCtrManCrs in 1968, and DLII, Presidio of Monterey, Vietnamese Language Course in 1969. In his civilian life, he attended seminars and training sessions to enhance his growth and achievements, performing well in all of them. He also completed Broadcasting School.

After serving in the military, he returned home and married his first wife, Susan A. Berger. They had two sons from this marriage, Shane L.P. Leingang and Shawn C. Leingang. In 1978, Dennis and his family moved to Washington State, where they made their home and raised their family. However, Dennis and Susan later divorced.

In 1994, Dennis and his oldest son (Shane) relocated to Mandan, North Dakota, to help their family during their father's battle with Alzheimer's disease. His youngest son (Shawn) joined them in 1995.

Dennis started dating his soulmate, Wanda, in November of 1994. In July of 1995, Dennis and his youngest son followed Wanda and her daughter Darcie to relocate to the state of Co, where his brother resides. She was beginning college to pursue a degree at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. In 1998, Dennis Leingang and Wanda Ollie (Bohe) married and built a life together until his passing on September 25th, 2024.

Dennis was a man of many trades and abilities. He was skilled in all construction phases, including carpentry, concrete work, electrical work, framing, plumbing, project management, blueprints, and office management. As a Head Superintendent, Dennis traveled around the states and built million-dollar hospital additions. He also was the project manager for developing the ND Potato Factory and South Dakota and Arizona hospitals. In addition to his construction skills, Dennis has worked in various careers, such as a salesman, radio broadcaster, chimney master, bartender, and apartment leasing manager. He also owned several businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Dennis had a wide range of interests and hobbies, including politics, news, history, music, art, auto mechanics, cooking, woodworking, restoring boats, cars, and motorcycles, sailing, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, motorcycling, horticulture, traveling, gambling, fish ponds, and a love for nature and animals.

He had an adventurous spirit, was a risk-taker, was opinionated, and was intelligent. He was forthright and plain-spoken; one didn't have to guess what he believed or was thinking. He enjoyed meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. There wasn't a conversation he couldn't add to or start with a person.

In his later years, one of Dennis's greatest joys was sharing time with the grandkids, camping, boating, fishing, and cooking breakfast when they came to Grandma and Pa's house. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, cooking, the KOA Fish Pond, gardening/flowers/plants, rock jewelry, crafting wood projects, painting, and spoiling his cats and dogs.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Wanda Leingang, Fort Collins, CO. Two children, Shane (Kelsey) Bismarck, ND, Shawn and (Jessica), Windsor, CO, and Stepdaughter, Darcie (Mike) Nunez, Windsor, CO. Siblings: Bill (Barb) Kalispell, MT, Bob (Gail) Palmar, Florida, Mike (Sue), Kim (Bruce) Walth, Ted, all from Bismarck. Harry (Sally), Becky (Dan), Markel, Kevin, and Pat are all in Mandan, ND, grandkids in CO and ND and friends.

His father, mother (Lucas and Margaret), and sister, Mary Fisher, preceded him in death.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the UCH Cancer Center of Fort Collins, Dr. Sorensen, and Lisa Radice (NP), who made the three-year experience tolerable with their extraordinary services, compassion, and availability throughout this process. We also extend many thanks to the nurses and the radiology department, who demonstrated professionalism and compassion, as well as Thomas (social worker).

We are also grateful to Hospice Pathways of Fort Collins for the exceptional care provided by its nurses and CNAs, especially Mary Beth, Emilie, and Abbye (nurses), Brook (social worker), Erin (chaplain) and Jennifer (CNA) during our time of need.

Instead of flowers, the family accepts donations to offset expenses via Venmo https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3402129561616384881&created=1727477653 or preferred mail to Allnutt Funeral Services-Drake Road Chapel 650 West Drake Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80526.