Leroy George Mackove, the son of George and Maggie (Ripplinger) Mackove, was born on May 11, 1937, in Geneseo, North Dakota. Leroy graduated from Valley City High School and then joined the National Guard to help pay for his college. After receiving his teaching degree, Leroy began teaching at an elementary school in Cayuga, ND. While living in Cayuga, Leroy met the love of his life, Sharon Kriz. They were united in marriage on August 8, 1959, and three children were born to this union, Tammy, Shelly, and Scott. Leroy moved his family to Valley City, ND, where he received his Bachelors Degree from Valley City State University. He continued with his education at NDSU receiving his Masters Degree in Education in 1962.