Leslie "Les" A. Balzum, 75, West Fargo, ND, formerly of Ada, MN, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in West Fargo.

Leslie "Les" Alan Balzum was born on July 27, 1950, in Ada, Minnesota, to Carl and Bernice Balzum. Rooted in the Midwest, he grew up in Ada and attended elementary and high school, graduating from Ada High School in 1968. During his school years, Les was a standout athlete, participating in football, track, and wrestling—earning the distinction of competing at the state level.

As a young man, Les worked as a lifeguard at the Ada outdoor swimming pool, where he taught many children to swim and dive. He also spent summers serving as a camp counselor at the Boy Scout Camp, shaping young lives with his guidance and humor.

Following high school, Les attended Mayville State College from 1968 to 1971. He later began a long and dedicated career with Westway Food Products in Mapleton, North Dakota, where he worked as a product technician from 1975 until 2009.

Les was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He enjoyed deer and bear hunting with both bow and rifle, as well as pheasant and turkey hunting. His home reflected his passion for the outdoors, adorned with deer and turkey mounts and carefully tanned pelts—each a lasting memory of adventures shared with friends and family.

Les will be remembered for his kindness, his love of the outdoors, and his generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

Les is survived by his brother, Dave (Mary) Balzum of Warren, MN; nephew, Shane Balzum of Thief River Falls, MN; niece, Stacy Balzum of Warren, MN; great-niece, Ashia Balzum of Grand Forks, ND; dear friends, Ray and Peggy Horner of Mapleton, ND; and his godson, Mac Horner of Mapleton, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bernice Balzum; along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

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