Longtime North Dakota Resident Leona Black Dies at 97

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Leona Black, a 97-year-old resident of New Rockford, North Dakota, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford. Visitation and funeral services will be held on March 3 and 4, 2026 in New Rockford and Grace City, North Dakota, with burial to follow at the Grace City Cemetery.

Why it matters

Leona Black's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of New Rockford, where she had lived her entire life. As one of the town's longest-standing residents, her death represents the loss of a community pillar and a connection to the area's history.

The details

Leona Black died at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, North Dakota on February 25, 2026 at the age of 97. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3 from 5:00-6:00PM, followed by a prayer service at 6:00PM, all at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford. On Wednesday, March 4, there will be additional visitation from 1:00-2:00PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Grace City, North Dakota. Leona will be laid to rest at the Grace City Cemetery following the funeral service.

• Leona Black died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
• Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 5:00-6:00PM.
• A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:00PM.
• Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 1:00-2:00PM.
• The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 2:00PM.