Vernon Bennet Reichelt, 94, Passes Away

Longtime Roseau resident and North Dakota transplant dies at age 94

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Vernon Bennet Reichelt, a 94-year-old man from Roseau, Minnesota, passed away on February 16, 2026. Reichelt was born in Roseau in 1931 and attended school through the eighth grade before moving to Montana as a young man to work on a ranch. He later settled in Williston, North Dakota with his wife Leona, where he worked various jobs over the years.

Why it matters

Reichelt's life story reflects the migration patterns and economic opportunities that drew many Minnesotans to neighboring states like Montana and North Dakota in the mid-20th century, as well as the importance of small-town community ties that kept people connected to their roots even as they built lives elsewhere.

The details

After attending school in Roseau through the eighth grade, Reichelt moved to Montana as a young man and worked for a rancher in Scobey for seven years. He then relocated to Williston, North Dakota, where he lived with his wife Leona, whom he married in 1953 at the Roseau Baptist Parsonage. The couple lived in Duxby, Minnesota for a time before settling permanently in Williston, where Reichelt worked various jobs over the years.

  • Reichelt was born on May 4, 1931 in Roseau, Minnesota.
  • He attended Duxby School through the eighth grade.
  • Reichelt moved to Montana and worked on a ranch in Scobey for seven years.
  • In 1953, Reichelt married Leona Sjaaheim in Roseau.
  • Reichelt passed away on February 16, 2026 at the age of 94.

The players

Vernon Bennet Reichelt

A 94-year-old man from Roseau, Minnesota who spent much of his adult life living and working in North Dakota after moving there from his hometown.

Leona Reichelt

Reichelt's wife, whom he married in 1953 at the Roseau Baptist Parsonage.

Bennie and Selma Reichelt

Reichelt's parents, who lived in Roseau, Minnesota.

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The takeaway

Reichelt's life story highlights the migration patterns and economic opportunities that drew many Minnesotans to neighboring states like Montana and North Dakota in the mid-20th century, as well as the enduring community ties that kept people connected to their small-town roots even as they built lives elsewhere.