Robert "Bob" Lefor

A Funeral Mass for Robert T. Lefor, 84, of Lefor, ND, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 7, 2025, at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Lefor, ND, with Fr. Jason Lefor presiding. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth's Catholic Cemetery in Lefor, ND.

Visitation for Robert will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Lefor, ND, with the Holy Rosary and Vigil Service taking place at 7 p.m.

Robert (Bob) passed away Friday, August 1, 2025, in the Peace of Christ in his home on his family farm in Lefor, ND.

Robert Thomas Lefor was born September 18, 1940, in Lefor, ND, the son of Victor F. Lefor and Caroline (Messmer) Lefor. Until 1946, Bob lived on the original Lefor settlement just east of Lefor. His family then moved to the current farm just north of Lefor, where he grew up with his eight siblings and attended St. Elizabeth Catholic Grade School and High School.

Following graduation from high school, Bob served two years in the U.S. Army. Upon returning, he lived in Dickinson, ND, and worked at Cargill Grain Elevator and Letvin Machinery. It was during this time Bob met Rose Petryszak at a wedding dance in New Hradec, ND. They were married on October 12, 1965, at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Fairfield, ND. To this union, three children were born: Lori, Glenn, and Jason. The family lived in Dickinson until 1970 when they moved to the family farm north of Lefor, ND. Bob and Rose loved and labored fruitfully together on their farm for five decades.

Bob was known for his love of farming and trying innovative methods of husbandry and agriculture. He had over 40 years of A.I. Breeding of his Holstein Dairy Cows and was involved in establishing and building the Lefor Cooperative Cheese Factory. Bob also purchased an AO Smith Harvester Silo and began "no till" farming. Giving back to the community, he served as the president of the Lefor School Board across three decades and was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus Clubs. The Catholic faith was at the heart of everything Bob did.

After 50 years of marriage, Bob's beloved wife, Rose, passed away, and he courageously began to live life on his own. Bob's pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved to share with others about their latest adventures and accomplishments. Bob often attended his grandchildren's activities such as sporting events and concerts. Accepting and embracing life's physical challenges, Bob had a brief stay at St. Benedict Court in Dickinson, ND. While residing there, he made many friends and had the privilege to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in April 2025.

Robert is survived by his siblings, Jerome (Kathy) Lefor of Beaverton, OR; Betty Lou Slaney of Sacramento, CA; Terrance (Ann) Lefor of Roseau, MN; Leslie (Cindy) Lefor of Fresno, CA; Donna Mae (Bill Allen) Nelson of Prior Lake, MN; and Thomas (Cindy Mann) Lefor of Greeley, CO; his children Lori Lefor of Fargo, ND; Glenn (Nancy) Lefor of Dickinson, ND; and Fr. Jason Lefor of Pisek, ND; his 9 grandchildren, Casey (Kelsey) Hennessy, Colby (Becca) Hennessy, Bobbi (Andrew) Bossert, Calli (Cody) Hamilton, Caitriona Hennessy, Monica (John) Kargol, Maximilian Lefor, Naomi Lefor, Celine Lefor, and 5 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Caroline; wife, Rose; and brothers, Victor James and Gregory Lefor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to be sent to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Cemetery Fund.