RICHARD LEASURE
“There will be a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning”
-Louis L’Amour
The story of Richard Dale Leasure began on August 8th, 1960 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He was born to Adelia Stricker-Leasure and Bert Leasure. Rich, as he came to be known by, held various jobs as a teenager; from painting fences and mowing lawns to working at Coast to Coast and working in a salvage yard, Rich had a passion for work. With his brother Ron by his side, and under the wings of Ed Honner, Rich’s work ethic was evident.
He attended Wagner Community School and at the early age of 17 began his military career with the National Guard. For 21 years he continued on this path while working at the Mike Durfee State prison in Springfield. It was during this early time in his life that he met and married Monica Yost. Three children were born to this marriage: Tonia, Kim and Jimmy. Later in life he would marry Lisa Ludens; Chris, Mariah and Megan joined the Leasure name at this time. Bradley Leasure would soon follow.
Rich shared his passion for work with the Yankton Sioux Tribe over the course of 28 years. Here, he held various paid positions-TERO Director, YST Environmental Protection Program Director, manager of the YST Utilities Program, and the YST Emergency manager. He had various unpaid positions with the tribe and helped spearhead many projects for the betterment of his community. He was a man with knowledge on many things, from fixing neighbor’s furnaces to helping plow roads; his job never stopped. From before sunup to after sundown Rich could always be found helping anyone who was in need. He truly had a heart for people. We firmly believe that this position helped him become the great man he was destined to be: a leader and role model for all ages.
On the rare occasion that he was not working, he could be found starting projects around his house and garden. Most recently, Rich added another member to the family, his German Shepherd Covid. And with that, he could be found building a stronger fence or repairing holes around the doghouse that Covid had lovingly dug. Rich loved old westerns, playing card tricks, and trying to stump anyone who would listen with his riddles. He especially loved spending time with his sister and neighbor Sandy and with her children and grandchildren. This bond grew stronger when the grandchildren realized Grandpa Rich had many fireworks in his house – they were always at his door and curious as to what he had stashed away in his collection.
Rich never gave up the fight, even in the very end. Ultimately, his big heart grew tired and on April 26, 2021 he was called to rest. In those last days, we will forever be thankful for the laughs, the notes and the hand signals he gave us to keep us on our toes. Much credit goes to IHS, Wagner Community Hospital and Sioux Falls Avera ICU for giving us a few more days with our “miracle boy.”
Grateful to have been a part of his life includes his children: Tonia(Brian) Smit and their children Molly, Sophie and Sam, of Ireton, IA; Kim(Matt) Sadler and their children Haley, Carter, Ellie, Sawyer and Sloane of Elk Point; Jimmy(Aubrey) Leasure and their future son Maverick of St. Peter, MN; Christopher Leasure of Springfield; Mariah(Bryan) Vacha and their daughter Adeline, of Norfolk, NE; Megan Leasure of Nor folk, NE; and Bradley Leasure of Sioux Falls. Brothers and sisters: Ron(Renee) Leasure of Crystal, MN and their children Justin, Thea, Ryan and Andrea; Gail Estes of Wagner and her children Andrew, Kassandra and Jolene; and Sandy Knudsen of Wagner and her children Merry, Missy and Marcy. He is also survived by numerous children from his nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as Grandpa Rich.
Rich was a friend to all. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel that their relationship was special and unique, and for that he leaves behind numerous special friends.
Traditional four-day wake services were held April 27-29 and concluded with funeral services with military honors on Friday, April 30.
We will forever be grateful for the love he gave everyone, for the selflessness he displayed daily, for his forgiving spirit, and for his loving heart. He will surely be missed.