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Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota
A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star and Masonic service at 5 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 1, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.



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In memory of

Leonard "Lenny" Sanftner

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 70

Leonard Ray Sanftner better known as “Lenny” or “Len” was born on March 7, 1947, to Florence Marie (Weis) and Leonard Ambrose Sanftner in Kadoka, South Dakota.

Leonard attended all 12 years of school in Belvidere and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1965. He attended Black Hills State College majoring in Engineering, and minoring in Industrial Arts and Journalism.

On March 25, 1967, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ruby Buxcel, in Belvidere. They moved to Cokato, Minnesota where they raised their family that consisted of three children: Tina, Terry, and Tim.

While in Cokato, he worked for Mattson Building and Supply Inc. as a draftsman, estimator, and design operator. In 1969 the family moved to Norris where they operated the Norris Pool Hall. In 1971 they moved back to Cokato and he again worked for Mattson Building and Supply, Inc. He and a friend started a construction company which they managed for two years. He also worked for Raydot, Inc. as a production manager. In 1999 Leonard and Ruby moved to Kadoka, and he took over his father’s Contracted Mail Routes. He acquired two more mail routes and has been running them ever since.

Leonard was active in his children’s sports such as youth hockey, AAU swimming, and any other sports his children were involved with. He was an EMTI and volunteered on the ambulance service in Minnesota for 20 years. He was also active in OLV Catholic Church and was a member of the city council. He was a Mason, Shriner, Jester, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

His greatest love was his John Deere tractor that he finally persuaded Ruby to let him purchase. He enjoyed mowing yards and would often be seen at OLV Church, the Kadoka Nursing Home, the Masonic Hall, and of course his own property, keeping the yards looking nice. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting.

Len always enjoyed a good story and a good laugh.

Survivors include his wife Ruby of Kadoka; one daughter, Tina (Randy) Long of New Braunfels, TX; two sons, Terry (Julie) Sanftner of Minneapolis, MN, and Tim Sanftner of Kadoka; four grandchildren, Tejai and Ryder Sanftner, Stephanie Long, and Lauren (Corbin) Simonson; one great-granddaughter Ella June Simonson; one brother Jerry (Angela) Sanftner of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial is established to Assisting Children to Smile and the OLV elevator fund. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 243, Kadoka, SD 57543.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star and Masonic service at 5 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 1, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Interment will be held at the Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere.

VISITATION
5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star
& Masonic service at 5 p.m. with a
prayer service at 7 p.m.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, January 2, 2018 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Tyler Dennis
assisted by Deacon Cal Clifford

MUSIC
Jo Anne Stilwell - Pianist
Our Lady of Victory Music Group
“Amazing Grace”
“Here I Am Lord”
“Thou the Mountains May Fall”
“Joy To The World”

LECTOR
Cindy VanderMay

USHERS
Joe Stoddard - Mark VanderMay

GIFT BEARERS
Chuck and Janet VanderMay

ALTAR SERVERS
Todd VanderMay - Tel VanderMay

INTERMENT
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota

  • Ruby....Leonardo was always his own man. I think that is why I treasured his friendship! You bet he'll be missed but he left us a treasure trove of memories! ~ Don Oyan Kadoka, SD (1/11/2018)
  • Ruby, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and your family. ~ Lynn Hanson Rapid City (1/2/2018)
  • Ruby and Family so sorry for your loss. ~ Dorothy & Willy Kirckof New Ulm, Mn. (1/2/2018)
  • My deepest sympathies over the loss of Leonard. No person can ever prepare themselves for the feelings of loss that can come when our loved ones leave us. Please know that these feelings are temporary and will soon be replaced with wonderful and happy memories. The comfort from the scriptures can help during this difficult time. John 5:28,29 "for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life." Knowing that we can see our loved ones again in a future paradise free form the effects of ill health and suffering certainly warms our heart. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dave ~ Dave (1/1/2018)
  • Ruby & Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts & Prayers be with you. ~ Bob & Sharel Spears Wickenburg, AZ (12/31/2017)
  • We are so sorry for your loss. Grandpa Sanftner was such a warm person. I do not remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. ~ Lauren Simonsen Idaho (12/31/2017)
  • Grandma Saftner, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I know grandpa Saftner is watching over us now. Remember he is in heaven and not in pain anymore! I’m sorry I couldn’t send my condolences in person. I love you all. ~ Stephanie Long Oklahoma (12/31/2017)
  • Ruby, Though we are not there, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . ~ Cindy and Arnie Brookings (12/31/2017)
  • Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Saftner family, Lenny's brother Jerry and to the communities of Kadoka and Belvidere that the family has been such a big part of. God bless you all. ~ Ron & Donna Bunnell 3208 Kirwood Drive (12/30/2017)
  • Ruby & family,
    We were so sad to hear of Lenny's passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time.     ~ Nicki Nelson Midland (12/30/2017)
  • Dear Ruby and family - I am so sorry to hear of Lenny's death. I remember you both fondly from OV in Groton a couple of years ago. My deepest sympathies to you all - Carna ~ Carna Atherton-Pray Groton, SD (12/30/2017)
  • Ruby and family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Lenny. We will remember all the great times at Minnesota Grand Chapter. ~ Peggy & Jeff Samuelson Sun City West, AZ (12/29/2017)
  • Ruby sorry for your loss. I knew Lenny when he was very young. Infact worked for his mom and dad and also babysat he and Jerry Prayers going to you and your family ~ Lydia Stengel Belgrade MT (12/29/2017)
  • Dear Ruby and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Lenny's passing, he was such a great guy and he was the best mailman ever. I remember having so many good conversations standing at the mailbox. We extend our deepest and heart felt sympathy, may God be with all of you and give you His peace. ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (12/29/2017)
  • Ruby and family, our hearts are heavy with sadness for your great loss. We are asking God to wrap His arms around you and give you comfort and strength in your loss. We Love You~ ~ Leonard & Helen Adams Enchanted Oaks, Texas (12/29/2017)
  • Ruby, so sorry to learn of Lennie's passing. He certainly put up a good fight and endured a lot in his final years. God bless you and may Lennie's soul rest in peace. My sympathy to you and your family. OES Love~~~~ ~ Margaret Sager Spearfish (12/29/2017)
  • So sorry for your loss. l remember the Lennie from when he came in Zeeb Phatmacy each day when he was carrying mail— such a fun guy! ~ Audrey Neiffer Philip. Sd (12/29/2017)
  • Ruby and family, all of our love and prayers. There are no words to ease your sorrow, just know there is so much love coming your way! Lenny will be greatly missed! ~ Mike &Glenda Meeks Rapid City (12/29/2017)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Hang on to memories. ~ Karen Byrd Kadoka (12/29/2017)
  • So hard to lose someone during the holidays . We send our condolences to Tim and Ruby's family ~ Malon & Cheryl Anderson Ft Pierre (12/29/2017)
  • We are saddened to hear of Lenny's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and will be in the days ahead. ~ Brock & Brittany Smith & Family Philip, SD (12/28/2017)
  • Kenny was such a great joy to know, he always. Had a smile and was so fun to be with. He and Ruby were great friends for many years and we are saddened by his passing. Our sympathy to Ruby and their children and friends, Love Bruce and Georgianne ~ Bruce and Georgianne Johnson Byron,Mn (12/28/2017)
  • Ruby and family, we are saddened to hear about Lenny, we know how much he loved life and his family. We all lost a faithful friend. Thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Kristie Erickson Aberdeen (12/28/2017)
  • Dear Ruby and family, With age comes memories of long ago. I have had Lennie on my mind lately and had decided it was time to stop and see him when I next was in your area. I was glad to have him for a roommate in our first year of college at Spearfish. Many good memories and happy times. I will always wish I had made an effort to stay in touch. Ruby, I am glad you have your family for support. I will always remember my old friend "Lennie".
    Gary Kluthe
     ~ Gary Kluthe rapid city sd (12/28/2017)
  • Ruby and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold the fond memories close to your heart. Hugs. ~ Stacy Dole Black Hawk (12/28/2017)
  • Dear Ruby and family, So sorry to learn about Lenny. What a supportive and wonderful man; you were a perfect couple; you both have common sense and intelligence. May our Loving Lord & Savior comfort and strengthen you thru this loss. Joyce Williamson ~ Joyce Williamson Rapid City,SD (12/28/2017)
  • Ruby and family. So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ~ Eileen Stolley KADOKA (12/27/2017)