Leland "Lee" Hall, age 84, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN.

Leland Earl Hall was born November 18, 1929, at International Falls, MN, in Koochiching County to Earl and Beryl (Fuller) Hall. During Lee's first years they lived in a log house in Williams, MN. He often said his family lived like nomads moving from place to place. Lee went to school at the Swift Country School up to the ninth grade when his family needed him to work because his father had become ill. During that time he did the chores, including milking the cows by hand because they had no electricity. They used gas lanterns for light, and for entertainment they would hook up the radio to the tractor battery.

Lee served in the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict turning down the Purple Heart, as he felt there were people more worthy than he to receive it. He also did not want a letter going home to his parents because they would worry too much.

In 1954, Lee met Janice Larson. He was trying to impress her with his 1950 Pontiac as she and a friend were walking uptown in Mahnomen. It must have worked, as they were united in marriage on June 29, 1957.

After the war, Leland worked for Wright Tree Service for 6 years clearing lines for REA. He also worked for Palmer Nelson when the Waubun School was first built, and he drove truck for Thorson and BC Ness. Lee was a heavy equipment operator for 30 years. He retired in 1992, at which time he began making crafts with Janice and his daughter, Brenda. Lee and Janice launched Hall's Lawn Service in 1993 to a point of servicing 42 lawns on a regular basis. He was still maintaining a few lawns when he entered the nursing home in 2010.

Lee was very active and spent a lot of time outdoors. He was still riding 4-wheeler and keeping up with his kids at the age of 80. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and the races. Leland loved to watch NASCAR, and Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. He and Janice used to tease each other about who was the better driver, Dale Earnhardt or Jeff Gordon (Janice's favorite). The living room was a very competitive place on Sunday afternoons. Janice died July 29, 1997. Leland enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He always had time for a good cup of coffee making his rounds from Pump 24 to Auto Value and everywhere in between. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and spent much time with his family.

Surviving Lee are three sons: Steve (Mary), Moorhead, MN, Scott (Becky) Fertile, MN, and Brent Waubun, MN; One daughter, Brenda (Kevin)Waubun, MN; six grandchildren Michelle French (Tim), Jacqueline Hall, Miranda Anderson (Dustin), Nicole Hall, Tyler Hall and McKaylee Swanson, three great grandchildren Jaylie, Ryker and Bryson French; three sisters Lula Lingren, Virgina, MN, Jesse Knutson, Roseau, MN, and Marlys (Les) Foster, Warroad, MN, two brothers; George (Mary) Hall, Billings, MT and Douglas (Geri) Hall, Sparks, NV.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; his sister, Betty and brother, Orville.

May God bless the memory of Leland Hall

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.

Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery, Mahnomen.