Delbert Leckband

Dr. Delbert Leckband, longtime dentist in Osakis died unexpectedly of a massive coronary on December 19 at the Dekalb Medical Center in Georgia.
Delbert Wayne Leckband was born on April 8, 1927 in Wauburn, MN to Arthur and Muriel (Schmidt) Leckband. He attended school at Kimbrae, Worthington and Brewster, MN. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on his 17th birthday and trained at Great Lakes Naval Station as a Naval Corpsman. Del served in the Coast Guard, Fleet Marines and at the Naval Hospital at Farrigut, Idano. he received his honorable discharge from the the Naval Reserve in 1954. Del attended the University of Minnesota for 8 years in the school of Dentistry and Orthodontia under the G. I. Bill. He was employed by the University of Minnesota Hosptial and was President of XIZI PHI Dental Fraternity. He graduated June 11, 1954 and married Gladys Olesen, whom he nicknamed "Peg" on June 27, 1954. He opened his first office at Heron Lake, MN on July 18 of that year and practiced Dentistry there for 17 years. Among the many organizations he became associated with, he was active with the Community Concert at Windom and later in Sauk Centre. He taught Sunday School for 11 years and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. When living in Osakis, Del was the commander of Osakis American Legion Franklyn L. Lyons Post #111. He was also a member of the Osakis Chamber of Commerce.
In 1971 the Leckband's moved to Osakis and practiced there until completing 50 years of dentistry in 2004.
Always the country boy, Del was happy on his farm where he raised sheep and black angus cattle until last year and also had his cats to fuss over. He loved to follow his kids and grandkids sports and music events and also fishing at a cabin in Emily, MN. Del also enjoyed going antiquing and was at home in the kitchen, where he would often bake up a great batch of cookies for the kids to enjoy. A man of few words, he was a good father who also adored his grandchildren. He spent his last week playing with the youngest ones in Atlanta, GA.
As was his request his body was given to RTI Donor Services of Atlanta to be used for research and to better the lives of 40 other people. His remains were cremated and burial will be on the corner of his farm at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was past president of Gordon Pleasant Hill Cemetery and had done the grounds-keeping there for years.
Del is survived by his wife, Peg of Osakis; two daughters, Mindy Price of Osakis and Jane (Greg) Gere of Bismark, N. Dakota, two sons, Douglas (Laura) Leckband of Avondale Estates, GA and Dean (Jamie) Leckband of Tucker, GA; 8 grandchildren, Kyle & Kirby Price, Leanne & Amanda Gere, Megen & Nicholas Leckband, Lucas & Jasmine Leckband; a brother, Stanley (Arlene) Leckband of Brewster, MN.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 29 at 2:00 pm at the Elim Lutheran Church in Osakis with Rev. Paul Hohncke officating. Musicians are Juanita Klukken and Dana Hetland. Honorary pallbearers and honor guard are his eight grandchildren and the members of the Franklyn Lyons American Legion Post # 111.
Local arrangements are with the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis www.royhetland.com