Luann Letang

Luann Letang, 75, of Dickinson, passed away at her home on April 29, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Luann was born on June 13, 1949, to Robert F. Kadrmas and Edith Kostelecky in Dickinson, ND. She grew up with her three siblings on a farm—north of Dickinson, along the Green River—and that piece of prairie would be her home for nearly all her life. She lived there with her beloved husband, Nicklas Letang (the high school sweethearts married on January 31, 1969). Together, they ran a farm, raised their son (Christopher, who changed their world), laughed, and watched countless numbers of birds, wildlife, and sunsets from their house.

Luann was exceptionally intelligent and a walking encyclopedia (you could ask her about any bird, science topic, or author, and she’d have an answer). She had an insatiable interest in learning, which was seen during her time at St. Wenceslaus and Dickinson High School (class of 1967). At Dickinson State College, she earned her undergraduate degree in science (1971). She continued her education and received a degree in medical technology and then a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of North Dakota.

Her career also illustrated her deep interest in learning and helped support the family’s farm operation. Luann worked at Dickinson High School, teaching physical science and biology. Eventually, Luann started working in the laboratory at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson and was head of the blood bank. She was employed there for 25 years.

Luann filled her time with hobbies and art. She was an expert seamstress and throughout her life sewed many of her own garments, often from Vogue patterns. Her knitted and crocheted creations were beloved gifts and her quilting was impeccable. She was an exceptional gardener, talented baker (her pies were legendary), and avid bird watcher.

She was also an extremely empathetic person who had a knack for asking questions that made a person feel special, especially to her grandson, Oliver. She was, also, a lifesaver: When Nick had a heart attack Luann saved his life with CPR.

Luann is survived by her husband of 56 years, Nick; son Christopher (Natasha); grandson Oliver; brother Alan (Jeanie) Kadrmas; sisters Bobbi (Denver) Jorgenson and Bonnie (Brent) Woodworth; and many nieces and nephews. Luann was preceded in death by her father Robert F. Kadrmas; and her mother Edith (Kostelecky) Kadrmas.