Leonard Rall was born in Hurdsfield, North Dakota to Christian and Sara (Kleinsasser) Rall, September 27, 1935. Leonard passed away March 19, 2025, at his daughter’s home, from complications associated with a stroke.
Leonard was one of sixteen children. His chores included carrying water and finding wood for the fire. He loved his mother and always spoke of her with adoration. His dad owned a blacksmith shop where Leonard learned metalsmithing.
Following his childhood, Leonard enlisted in the army in March 1959. He was trained as a heavy equipment operator, was an expert riflemen and awarded honorable conduct.
After his military service, Leonard pursued his passion for flying. He proudly owned a Piper Cub J3. He logged over 400 hours of flying, acquiring his FAA private and commercial pilot’s license with an instrument, and multi-engine rating. He also recorded having made 37 skydives, all while packing his own chutes! “It’s just as easy as jumping out of bed in the morning,” he would tell people.
When Leonard married Vivian, she had a twelve-year-old adopted son from a previous marriage, Michael (Ronnie) Ryan. Together, they had two biological children, Regena and David. Leonard viewed raising his children as the happiest days of his life.
The hardships of his youth, though challenging, instilled in Leonard a sense of resilience and adventure. Seeking new opportunities, the family moved to Oregon in 1970. Leonard was a master craftsman. He worked as a welder, blueprint reader, hydraulics and electrical installer, customizing utility and aerial lift vehicles until his retirement in 2005.
Leonard recalled, “Even as a small child I wanted to be close to God and pray.” He loved serving and leading prayers at the Lord’s table. His contributions to the church community included building entrance ramps for people who came to need them. He also enjoyed helping the local Sandy Church of Christ with their roof restructuring project.
Leonard’s drive for perfection, eye for detail, and skills led Leonard and Vivian to build a custom home in 1977. He did the framing, electrical, and the woodworking and interior design they did together. Despite their divorce Leonard maintained, “Vivian was the best wife I’ve ever had.” They remained close friends; neither remarried.
Leonard loved and admired his son-in-law, John. He always had wonderful things to say about him telling Regena, “I’m so glad you married him!” He would often comment, “John knows more accidentally than most people do on purpose.” Leonard was very pleased if there was something he could do for John.
After retiring in 2005, Leonard moved to Sandy, Oregon in 2006. Nothing made him happier than being close to his three grandchildren. He loved being on the farm, mowing grass with his John Deer, and just tinkering around.
He is survived by his daughter Regena Knapp, brother Ted (Rapid City, South Dakota), sisters Sara Kuntz (Drake, North Dakota), Adaline Lautt (St. Helens, Oregon), Sharline Godfrey (Milwaukie, Oregon), and Mary Rall (Milwaukie, Oregon). Preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, five sisters, son David Rall, of Milwaukie, Oregon, and stepson Michael Ryan of Los Angeles, California. His interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon on March 31, 2025.
Leonard was loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
You’ve Lost Your Dad
You say, “You’ve lost your dad. I’m sorry for your loss,”
But I say, “I haven’t lost him, I know right where he is.
He is sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Contented as a resting child.”
His life held many pains that no man of dust could heal.
Then, he heard the voice of God,
“Leonard, come up here.
Welcome good and faithful servant,
Enter into your eternal home in glory.”
His last Earthly breath his weary body ousted—
And with angel escorts flew.
“Why Lord?” he asked. “I’ve lived in fear and failure.”
To which the Father said,
“Your fear came from your Earthly father.
Broken he was too.
My goal for you was redemption,
So much better than perfection.
The finished work of Christ upon that cross,
Gifts your account with righteousness.
You believed in Jesus’ accomplished work.
Now, come and sit upon your Shepherd’s knee.
See the eyes of the One who is pure love.
Feel His smile and joy for you?”
Down my daddy’s cheek a tear began to roll.
Wiped from his face by the Spirit of God who said,
“For all of time unmeasured forth,
Our presence will permeate your core.”
As Leonard’s restored youth was found.
“‘How Great Thou Art! I will ever sing,’
Exclaimed the newly remade man.”
This is why it is with perplexity I say,
“I have not lost him.”
Soon, I will sit with him
And I too will enjoy the perfect realm.
Listen!
Hear the invitation?
“Come! All who are weary.”
Join us there!
Simply believe in Jesus.