Janet Leet

Kenmare

Janet Leet, 82, Kenmare, died of cancer Thursday, January 9, 2025, at a Minot nursing home surrounded by loved ones.

Janet Faye was born December 3, 1942, in Kenmare, ND to Louis ‘Butch’ and Anna (Mortenson) Nordstrom. She played saxophone and was a flag thrower at basketball tournaments and parades at Kenmare High School, where she graduated in 1960.

Janet continued and completed her education in a two-year program at the University of North Dakota. She was once united in marriage to Byron Dorgan. This ten-year courtship was blessed with two children. They made their home in Grand Forks, ND, Aurora, CO and Bismarck, ND. During that time, Janet seized employment opportunities with Grand Forks Savings & Loan, Manning Oil & Trust and Governor William Guy’s Office before moving back to Kenmare.

On May 25, 1974, Janet married Chuck Leet in her cherished hometown of Kenmare, where they built a beautiful life together. She provided her working talents for a decade each to the Kenmare School System and Midwest Federal Savings & Loan, excelling as a branch manager. Janet’s dedication to her work culminated in a 21-year career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in a variety of administrative positions between Crosby, Minot, and Kenmare until her retirement in 2012.

Janet’s heart belonged to her community and especially to children. She served as an EMT with Kenmare Ambulance for 20 years, was part of the Women’s Fire Department Auxiliary, serving as secretary for 30 years and assisted the Fire Department in grant writing for needed equipment. Janet and Chuck served together with Ducks Unlimited helping plan numerous banquets and many kids’ Green Wing Day/Honker Day Celebrations in Kenmare. She was a founding member of the Mouse River Park Association where she had the most fun with Chuck planning and running kids’ games for hundreds of kids per year leaving kids giggling and parents grateful. She was active with the Honkers Homemaker club and a 34-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Janet proudly also served as trustee of the Shelly Dorgan Memorial Scholarship for twenty-six years after the loss of her daughter in 1993.

In her quieter moments, Janet loved tending to her many houseplants and finding treasures while antiquing. She loved spending time at her favorite spot, the Mouse River Park, enjoying recreation and camping. She had several pets and enjoyed home improvement, photography, cards and board games. She always loved being around children whether it was volunteering at kids’ events or spending time with grandkids, nieces and nephews, James and Ben Ethens’ kids and Kelly Gravos’ kids. Most importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. Janet’s life was a testament to the power of community, the beauty of giving, and the love that binds us all. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Her loving family includes her husband of 50 years, Charles Leet, Kenmare; son, Scott (Denise) Dorgan, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Madison (Scott) Perkins, Victoria, MN and Mason Dorgan of Boston, MA; sister, Jean Ann Eklund, Minot; sister-in-law Betty Nordstrom, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Shelly Dorgan-Gravos and brother Dale Nordstrom.

Celebration of Janet Leet’s Life: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare. To view a recording of the service (available 2/2) or share memories and condolences, access her obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND (TBD in 2025)

Visitation: Friday, January 31, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND and one hour prior to the start of the service in the church.

Memorials are preferred to Kenmare Fire Department and/or Kenmare Ambulance.

Appreciation: The family would like to thank Trinity Health doctors, nurses and staff in Minot for their amazing and compassionate care for Janet while at the hospital.