Watch Leah's Prayer Service

Watch Leah's Funeral Service

Leah Vigum, age 19, of Twin Valley, MN, died on Friday, November 2, 2018 as the result of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Leah Marie Vigum was born September 1, 1999. As the daughter of Mike and Nancy Vigum, sister to Kyle and Sarah, beloved niece, granddaughter, cousin and friend to many, all were blessed to have her be a part of our lives the past 19 years.

Leah had a beautiful smile, a twinkle in her eye, and was quick with funny one-liners. She was passionate about all things in life, especially her family, friends, faith, school and community. She loved farm life, always working with her Dad. Whatever the task, Leah was right there by his side. If you were to ask her to do something on a Saturday, she would more than likely tell you she'd have to check first to see if her Dad might need her.

Leah loved people, especially babies. She beamed when she held them, quite assured she had the special touch. She also loved being in the company of elderly people. She had a special sensitivity to their journey and was very kind to them. Her grandparents were a very treasured part of her life.

Dear Leah loved the outdoors and animals. Her favorite time of year was Spring, when the calves were born, at which time, she took on a lot more responsibility and was especially proud of her role on the farm. She also enjoyed the Fall because it meant deer hunting with her Dad, brother and friends. She loved time with Sarah, riding her horse "Whiskey" and taking care of the other farm pets. Leah truly cherished her entire family.  She loved her "mom time" with Nancy, which often involved precious conversations, shopping, or lunch in Fargo. She enjoyed sharing the farm projects, winter work on the home remodel projects and Sunday drives. She loved their family trips together, and while they did not go far, they always came back with great memories. Leah also made wonderful memories with her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, which included fun times at the lake, school events, county fairs and holidays together. After her "Little Grandma" passed away, Leah realized how precious traditions are to her family. Leah, Kyle and Mike continue The Donut Legacy, and enjoyed them thawed or frozen.

Determination was a trait of Leah's which served her well in life. Even though she often had to put in more effort, Leah was not afraid to work to achieve her goals. Her journey began as an infant, and with the love and support of family and friends, she overcame obstacles and hit milestones that astounded her entire medical team. Some milestones in Leah's life were receiving the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation at St Joseph Catholic Church in Fertile. She graduated from Norman County East in 2018, which was a very proud day for all. A local school staffer said "She knew the importance of getting good grades, graduating and respecting everyone. She could often be heard telling younger students to stay in school and be nice.'' Leah was named North Dakota's Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network in 2005.  She was a true Champion and shared the honor by celebrating with her family in Washington D.C. and Disney World. Leah was very proud of getting her driver's license and then earning enough money to buy her first car, whom she named "Betty." She was a valuable member of the staff at Garberg Foods in Twin Valley, where Leah was currently employed full time.

At the tender age of 19, Leah was striving to find her place in this world. She did not always feel accepted but was persevering. She was looking forward to and beginning to make plans for furthering her education in Early Childhood Development and was looking into getting an apartment to be even more independent.

Her family asks that to keep Leah's legacy alive, remember to see the face of Jesus in the people you encounter! Take time each day to build someone up. When you think of Leah, please reflect upon and live your life according to one of Leah's favorite quotes, "Always leave people better than you found them. Hug the hurt. Befriend the lost. Love the lonely."

Leah is lovingly survived by and will be greatly missed by her parents, Mike and Nancy Vigum and her siblings, Kyle and Sarah, all of Twin Valley; her maternal grandparents, Larry and Elaine Ricard of Beltrami, MN; aunts: Debra (Lowell) Bromander of Golden Valley, MN, Diane (Ron) Hasbrouck of Crystal, MN, Christine Ricard of St. Louis Park, MN, and Jennifer (Mike) Christianson of Wyoming, MN; uncles: Steve (Maureen) Ricard of Benson, MN, Curtis (Rachel) Ricard of Lakeville, MN, and Eric (Meagan) Ricard of Carver, MN; cousins: Holly, Hannah, Grace and Claire Ricard, Isaac and Andrea Christianson, Noah, Maya and Sophia Ricard, Gavin and Mara Ricard; Matt (Carey),Ben and Miles Bromander, Andrew and Brian Bromander, Crystal (Greg), Anthony, Elliana, and Joshua VonArx, and Nicole Hasbrouck; as well as many extended relatives, friends and neighbors. She was welcomed into Heaven by her paternal grandparents, Oscar and Merine Vigum.

Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fertile. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 pm, all at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery, rural Twin Valley, following fellowship after the service.

If you are comfortable in doing so, please feel free to wear Camo or Flannel to her services, to honor Leah's favorite fashion style.