Joe Leutenegger Obituary

Joseph Carl Leutenegger, better known as “Joe” by his family and friends, was born to Jacob and Martha (Pluta) Leutenegger on January 19, 1928, in Belvidere, South Dakota. He attended Belvidere Elementary and graduated high school in May of 1946.

On November 26, 1946, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy for four years. When he left home for the first time he went to Omaha, Nebraska and from there he boarded the train and headed to the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He went through 16 weeks of training and then 16 weeks of Yeoman training. He was assigned to the U.S. Naval Station at Treasure Island at the electronics school where he was employed in the personnel office. In the fall of 1950, Joe was transferred to the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard at Bremerton, Washington, and then headed to Japan, Korea, and many other areas. In October of 1951 he returned to Treasure Island and was honorably discharged there on November 16, 1951.

At the age of 23, Joe returned to Belvidere and began working in the Belvidere Bank the following January. Joe was united in marriage to Kathleen Addison on September 9, 1961.

Joe was employed at the Belvidere Bank, was manager at BankWest, and at the age of 55 he decided to buy the People’s Market. He was on the REA Board from 1985-2016. Joe and Kathleen enjoyed many vacations and bus trips with the REA, Affiliated Foods, and BankWest.

Joe’s children and grandchildren have many great memories of the special trips he took them all on…especially to Disney World and a couple trips to Vegas! He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka and Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen of Mitchell; four daughters: September (Cory) Kirby of Brookings, Shawna (Richard) Bendt of Kadoka, Shanesa (Wade) Rhodes of Black Hawk, and Starette (Brian) Nash of Mitchell; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister Mary Puls of Cleveland, Ohio; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son Shane Leutenegger on May 4, 1992; his parents; and four siblings: Leo Konietzko, Sophie Konietzko, Glendy Rice, and Frankie Rice.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with Father Tyler Dennis as celebrant.

Interment with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Father Tyler Dennis officiating.

Service Details

VISITATION
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - 5-7 p.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

ROSARY SERVICE
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - 7 p.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Tyler Dennis

MUSIC
JoAnne Stilwell - Pianist
Diane Hogan and Jim and Arlene Kujawa - Vocalists
“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
“On Eagles Wings”
“Song of Farewell”
“Jesus Remember Me”
Paul Konietzko - Special Music
“Here I Am Lord”

LECTOR
Paul Konietzko

ALTAR SERVERS
Ian VanderMay - Tance VanderMay

USHERS
Tony Gould - Jim Kujawa - Bruce Conlee

PALLBEARERS
Nathan Kirby - Alex Kringen - AJ Bendt
Dawson Rhodes - Peyton Nash - Daylen Rhodes

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Friday, January 31, 2020 - 10:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

I am so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My condolences to the family. Prayers for comfort and peace in the days to come as they will be very trying. Lean on one another for support and strength. May Joe, Rest in Peace.
~ Ellie Bettelyoun Martin, SD (1/27/2020)

Kathleen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you travel this new and different road. May our Lord wrap His arms of love around each one of you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (1/30/2020)

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I remember his ready smile and kind manner. He will be missed and the memories treasured. Prayers for his family. Love to you all.
~ John and Vicki Healy Mitchell (1/28/2020)

Thanks for serving
~ A VETERAN (1/28/2020)

I just now saw the announcement about Joe's passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. My father Charles served on the REA board many years with Joe, and always talked about him highly. May he rest in peace.
~ Anna Oller Missouri (3/27/2020)

Joe was certainly a pillar in the community. He set a high standard always whether in family, business or community service. Our sympathies to the family. May God give you comfort and peace.

~ Charlene and Gary Sieler (1/30/2020)

Sympathy and prayers for all.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City, SD (1/29/2020)

We are saddened to hear that Joe has passed away. He was always such a friendly guy and good visit. He sure was proud of his entire family. Hold the fond memories close to your heart. Hugs to you all.
~ Stacy Dole Pierre (1/27/2020)

Joe was one of the good guys. So hard to be at the point we are loosing dads and grandpas. May he Rest In Peace knowing he leaves behind some amazing memories!
~ Michelle Renning Emerson Nebraska (1/28/2020)

Our condolences. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Mae and Merti Whirlwind Horse & Family Interior, SD (1/27/2020)