Leslie D. Houston

Leslie D. Houston, 72, of Bathgate, ND, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Memorial service will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bathgate Presbyterian Church, Bathgate, ND. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Cavalier Ambulance Service or a charity of your choice.

Leslie Duane Houston was born November 14, 1951, in Grafton, ND, to Vernon “Dick” and Marguerite “Marge” (Gladue) Houston. He grew up the Bathgate area and graduated from Neche High School in 1969. He attended Bottineau State School of Forestry from 1969-70. On December 7, 1970, Leslie enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an Electrical Intelligence Air Crew Member, flying over 100 missions and close to 2000 flight hours. After his discharge from the Air Force, he joined his father and brother in the construction business.

On September 6, 1980, Leslie married Delores Unke at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural St. Thomas, ND. Leslie joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1980, where he served for 16 years in the Cavalier unit. He was a platoon sergeant during Desert Storm and retired with 20 years of total military service in 1996.

Leslie was the mayor of Bathgate for some time and was instrumental in obtaining the lots and starting the city park. He often commented on how nice the park is now and about the people that made it what it is today. He was also proud to help the city purchase their firetruck. Leslie also worked at Motorcoach Industries in Pembina, ND, for over 22 years, retiring in 2014.

Leslie was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, and also enjoyed carpentry, hunting, fishing, and archery. He was especially proud of his once in a lifetime moose hunting experience.

He is survived by his wife, Delores; daughter, Stefanie Lyn (Ryan) Klapperich, Grand Forks, ND; son, Steven Houston, Bathgate, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Rick Houston.