Obituary: Ernest W. "Bill" Leonard

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In memory of

Ernest W. "Bill" Leonard

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 92

Ernest William Montgomery Leonard, better known as Bill, was born September 22, 1928 to Arthur and Lillian (Montgomery) Leonard in North St. Paul, Minnesota. He was born the fourth of eight children and the last of his family to pass. Bill attended elementary and high school in St. Paul, graduating from Minneapolis West High School in 1946.

Bill was most proud and honored to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He served for 20 years, and they were the best 20 years of his life. While Bill was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, he met a pretty young lady named Kay Pederson. After Kay graduated, they were married in a double ceremony with Kay’s sister, Audrey and Carl Harnisch on August 27, 1951. Bill and Kay were blessed with two girls, Robin and Kelly.

While in the Air Force, Bill and Kay lived many places and numerous great friends before his retirement in 1967. Dad wanted it said in his obituary that “he retired as a Master Sergeant and was a damn good one at that!” In 1971, they moved to Wall, South Dakota where they opened the Elkton House Restaurant with Kay’s brother Gordon and his wife Betty Pederson. They ran the restaurant for eight years before selling it.

Bill enjoyed volunteering his time and in his younger years was a volunteer firefighter, school board member, Wall City Council member, Sunday school teacher at the United Methodist Church for many years, and was active with Boys State, the American Legion, and the local Lions Club. His most enjoyable time volunteering was playing Santa for the city of Wall for many years. He was also the best fan the Wall Eagles football team ever had.

Bill will be greatly missed by his extended family and his daughters Robin Caswell of Rapid City and Kelly (Kent) Lurz of Wall; four grandchildren: Kevin (Brandi) Davison, Shane Davison, Jessica (Mike) Kroells, and Megan (Adam) Rislov; six great-grandchildren: Toby Davison; Aaden, Makenna and Brady Kroells; and Harper and Tayton Rislov; four step-great-grandchildren: Shelby, Harley, Elena, and Avery; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Kay Leonard on August 22, 2017; an infant son Ernest W. Leonard, Jr.; granddaughter Kirsten Davison; a son-in-law Bob Caswell; his parents Arthur and Lillian Leonard; four brothers Arthur Jr., Albert, Alvin, and Tommy Leonard; and three sisters Letti Kidd, Jane, and Barbara (Billy) Owens.

A public visitation will be held from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 9, at the United Methodist Church in Wall.

Due to covid-19 private family services will be held, and burial with military honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandson Shane Davison and the 1994 State B Wall Eagles Football Team because everybody knew Dad loved his football, especially the Wall Eagles.

A memorial is established to the Wall Eagles Football Program. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 123 Wall, SD 57790.

PUBLIC VISITATION
Monday, November 9, 2020
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

I have very good memories of Bill. His first comment to me was always "how are things in the valley?" He was so friendly in the GW market and called our daughter Kristin, "princess". Bill was a faithful servant in the church and schooled many a boy on how to be a 'gentleman'. Our sympathy to all of Bill's family. ~ Rick and Nancy Horton Wall (11/10/2020)
Kelly and Robin,
Wally wanted me to let you know that he always enjoyed sitting next to your dad and mom in church and giving your dad a bad time. Bill was also a great voice in keeping our country school going when the boys were growing up. We will forever be grateful for this. Will miss him dearly. Your dad was always interested in how things were going out in the country. I think he was a country boy at heart. ~ Wally and Carol Hoffman Pedro (11/8/2020)
I have read many of these condolences for Bill. While it is clear that he was big fan of Wall Eagle football, he was also a cheerleader and fan of other events. For me, it was a song I sang when I was in high school. Each and every time I ran into Bill when I was home for a visit, he would remind me that I sang that song. It was such a friendly reminder of what growing up in a small community can mean. I will forever treasure that memory. He will be missed. ~ Nancy Knapp Ft Calhoun Ne (11/6/2020)
Thanks for serving! ~ A Veteran (11/6/2020)
Bill was such an awesome asset to this town. He contributed to every aspect of this community. But the one thing that I will always remember about him is how every time I saw him, he always asked me about my daughter. Kelley. In his later years, he couldn't remember my name, but he always remembered Kelley's name. He taught church school when my Kelley was in his class at the Methodist back in 1992? RIP Bill. You were a good man and you gave your time to this town unselfishly. ~ Norma Carson (11/6/2020)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Bill will be fondly remembered by so many people. He was a great guy and a tremendous supporter of the boys football team. ~ Janet Wall SD (11/5/2020)
Our family - Beth, Dan, Calvin, & I wish to extend our Sympathy to Bill's family. We have all been Blessed to have known him as a special friend --- Rest Comfortably in Jesus' Loving Arms, Dear Friend!! ~ Dorothy (Stuchlik) Wiederhold Rapid City, SD (11/5/2020)
Uncle Bill will be Truly missed I have a Lotta good memories from my uncle Bell and I will never forget them Say hi to the rest of our family So sorry for your loss Kelly and Robin ~ Jeffrey & Elizabeth Sisk Ingalls In (11/4/2020)
Bill Leonard Family,
We send our condolences and fondly remember Bill. I thank you for his service and dedication to his country. He showed that loyalty through his years of commitment to the American Legion. I always found him one of my favorite ambassadors of our community as he had a ready smile with a smart story of the local happenings. The world in Wall will be just a little lonelier without that smile. ~ Mary Beth Contreras Chandler, Arizona (11/4/2020)
Kelly and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember how your dad use to pick on me. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed. ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (11/4/2020)
Uncle Bill was a really great guy, I loved listening to his stories in the service and just his life in general.. Sure admired his loyalty to his country and the love of my Aunt and his wife Kay.. RIP, Uncle Bill, give everyone in the family love in Heaven.. ~ Perry Williamson Michigan (11/4/2020)
So for for the loss of your dad & grandpa. ~ Ronda Hamann Wall, SD (11/4/2020)
Bill Leonard Family Just heard a few minutes ago of Bill's passing. I want to pass on to you our deepest sympathies to your families. When I look back at all the things that he and I did together in American Legion. We had fun doing it and also what needed to be done as Veterans. Thanks Bill for your service for our great country. RIP my friend and will see you some day in the future for a huge get together. God Bless Your Family RIP my friend and neighbor. ~ Van & Cathy Simpfenderfer Wall, SD (11/3/2020)