Leland Ernest Risa was born in Scobey, Montana on December 14, 1950, to Albin and Dorothy (Walters) Risa. He died Sunday, October 29, 2023, at FMDH after a brief battle with cancer. Lee was baptized and confirmed at the 1st Lutheran Church in Opheim.
Lee grew up on the family farm in Opheim, he graduated from Opheim High School in 1969 and then Montana State University-Bozeman in 1974 with a degree in Ag Production and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Following graduation, he returned to Opheim and owned and operated, with Dorothy and stepfather, Theron, Northern Lites Ranch, Inc. In later years he continued with his wife and son.
He married Terry Ackerman on June 16, 1978. They welcomed twin daughters, Kari and Kristy in 1981, and, a son, Bryce in 1984. He followed his children’s activities in school and 4-H. He cheered on his children, grandchildren, and the children of his friends. Lee continued to farm and ranch with his wife and son.
Lee was involved in many organizations in the Opheim community and in Valley County. He served as president of the Opheim Community Club, served as a board member on the Farmers Union Oil of Opheim, PRO COOP of Opheim, Northern Electric Cooperative of Opheim, and NorVal Electric Cooperative. He also served as a steer barn superintendent at the Northeast Montana Fair. In 2022 he was awarded the Commercial Producer of the Year award from the American Red Angus Association.
He is survived by his wife, Terry, of 45 years; his son, Bryce of Opheim, his daughters, Kari (Cowboy) Murch of Glasgow, and Kristy (James) Miller of Taylor, North Dakota; grandchildren: Rhett Murch of Glasgow, Collin Grage of Timber Lake, South Dakota, Callie and Karstin Grage of Taylor, North Dakota, and Kaisen and Brysen Miller of Taylor, North Dakota. Lee is also survived by his brother Brian (Diana) Risa of Blackfoot, Idaho, their children, Jessica and Travis and their families, and mother-in-law, Arleen Hughes, of Kalispell, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Albin Risa, Dorothy Risa, Theron Risa, nephew Tyler Risa, father-in-law Ted Ackerman, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family will receive friends at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow, Montana on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at Opheim Community Church in Opheim, Montana with Pastor Scott Kiehn officiating. Burial will take place in Lawndale Cemetery in Opheim and a reception will follow back at the church. Memorial may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday November 2, 2023
Cottonwood Inn
54250 US Highway 2
Glasgow, Montana 59250
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59520
Funeral Reception
12:15 p.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday November 2, 2023
Cottonwood Inn
54250 US Highway 2
Glasgow, Montana 59250
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59520
Funeral Reception
12:15 p.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
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Glen Meier says
So long my friend. I also remember you served as a deputy brand inspector. I thank you for that service to the livestock producer of north Valley County
Carol Miller says
Terry and family. You have my deepest sympathy at the passing of Lee. I will keep you all in my heart and prayers. May the memories you shared help bring peace in the days and months to come.
Love Carol Miller
Dick Williams says
Lee and I went thru school together from first grade thru college . I have many good memories of Lee from our time together. Lee was a good man and he will be very missed by his family and his many friends. We are sending our condolences to Terry and family. We pray for Gods comfort for his family in this time of loss.
Alicia Donaldson says
Terry and family, so sad to hear of Lee’s passing. Although I haven’t known you long, I have known the Risa’s for years. Prayers for you and the family.
Love to you and your children.
Alicia (Alice Fuchs) Donaldson
Marcia Garcia says
Terry & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. God be with you and give you added strength in the days ahead.
Your cousin and family
Marcia Hawbaker Garcia
Nancy Hamilton says
Dear Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. May Lee rest in peace.
Camey Bertolino says
I always enjoyed this bull sale up on the highline. It is a great honor to have met you and photograph your amazing crowds you would have there. You will be missed. Mark and Camey Bertolino
Larry Tade says
Terry and family, I was heartbroken to learn of Lees passing:(. I grew to know Lee over the last 20 years and he will be missed! My Thoughts and prayers are with you. Larry Tade
Fehler says
Our Condolences to you and the family. Al and Diane Fehler
Ronald Edwards says
My sympathies and condolences to your family. Lee graduated after me, but every year I came back we always had a nice conversation. The last time I saw him was in 2019. I pray GOD will grant peace and only good memories.