Krist and Beatrice Leistiko

Krist Leistiko - Taken in 1934, before he was married.

Krist and Beatrice Leistiko.

Krist Frank Leistiko, son of Otto and Augustina Leistikow, was born September 27, 1910, in in Livingston, Montana. Family lore has it that when Krist's mother had to go into the hospital in Great Falls for eye surgury, the kids were sent to stay with Otto's brother Albert on his farm in Nashua, Montana. Krist loved the farm, and wanted to stay. He was never officially adopted by Albert and his wife Elizabeth. Albert and Elizabeth also raised Krist's half-sister Elsie, daughter of Otto and his first wife Marie. Elsie eventually married Elizabeth's brother Harold Roe.

When Albert passed away, Krist helped his Aunt Elizabeth with the farm. Krist also worked on the Fort Peck Dam project as a heavy equipment mechanic. He met his future wife Beatrice Henrichson when she was hired by Elizabeth to do some housekeeping in 1933. They were the first couple married at Fort Peck. The wedding was in 1934 on Beatrice's birthday, April 14th.

Krist and Beatrice continued living on the farm, where their 3 children were born:

In 1946, with her health failing, Elizabeth moved in with her brother Harold and Elsie, at their home in Ronan, Montana. For health reasons, Krist then moved his family to Whitefish, Montana. Krist passed away at the Glasgow Hospital in May 1948, and was buried in Whitefish. Beatrice died in Kalispell in October 1989.

Krist and Beatrice Leistiko and children (from left) Tuffy, Lorraine, and Gordon. Taken in December 1946.

Krist and Beatrice Leistiko and children (from left) Gordon, Tuffy, and Lorraine. Taken in 1948 at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, and was the last picture taken before Krist and Beatrice died.

First published March 10, 2002. Last revised March 10, 2002. If you have comments, corrections or additional information or pictures you would like to contribute, feel free to contact Dave Nims.