|
|
Leslie "Les" Struble, Sr.of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Thursday, January 7, 2021
|
Leslie William Struble was born on December 8, 1924 to Harold and Marjorie (Harris) Struble in Platte, South Dakota, joining three older sisters: Esther, Dorothy, and Amy with the family increasing with the addition of brothers Clayton and Dell.
Leslie moved with this family to Wanblee (Bear Creek) in 1926. He attended grade school at Eagle Nest and Garner Schools.
He entered the U.S. Army June of 1944 during World War II where he was engaged in the "Battle of the Bulge”. He never talked much of his time in the service but did state he had Thanksgiving dinner in France and Christmas dinner in a foxhole at the Battle of the Bulge where the Germans made their last big fight. He was united in marriage to Helen (Muree) McRae on March 4, 1946. He served in Korea from 1948 to 1949 and was honorably discharge in 1950 at Fort Hood, Texas.
Les and Muree moved back to Kadoka in 1950. Daughter Lucinda (Cindy) Irene was born during his time serving in Korea with Mayola Muree, Thomas Harold, Milton Michael (Mike), Leslie William Jr. (Butch), and Tony Wayne then joining the family.
Les worked various jobs before his employment of 26 years with the South Dakota State Highway Department in maintenance, retiring in 1986. He worked alongside "daddy" at the Struble Standard Service Station, did carpentry for Keith Brakke, was a mechanic for Andy Gorman, Marvin Willert and Melvin Hicks’ service station, and worked at Charlie Mullins’ grocery store. In later years he also had a hand in work he loved farming for Neal Clarke, Merle Stilwell, and Charlie Williams. You could also find him at times at the business of Raymond Hicks, who was like a son to him, doing a little mechanic work. He also enjoyed his time as a mail carrier working for Richard Allen, Mary Ellen Hart, and Lenny Sanftner.
He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, VFW of Hot Springs, lifetime member of the American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka and lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed bowling on a league up until 2014 when he began having trouble with his knees and walking. Both Les and Muree moved into Gateway Apartment Complex October 2015 until their move to the Kadoka Nursing Home August 20, 2018. His loving wife passed away on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019. Les will be remembered by many for his sense of humor and quick wit.
Grateful for having shared his life are daughters Cindy (Dale) O’Connell and Mayola (Jim) Horst, both of Kadoka. Sons Tom (Rebecca) Struble of Philip, Mike Struble of Kadoka, Butch Struble of Lead and Tony Struble of Vine Grove, Kentucky; grandchildren Leslie (Polly) O’Connell, Blake (Stacy) Horst, Raymond (Karla) O’Connell, Wendy (Chad) Horst, Craig,(Sona) O’Connell, Quentin Struble, Bruce O’Connell, Erin (Chaz) Wheeler, Alea “Charlie” (Jason) Mook, Skyler Struble, Tanya (Demetrius) Lafarier, Kristopher Struble and Keegan Struble; Great grand-children Aubrey (Jeffrey) Patterson; Alex, Andrew, Jordan and Lanie O’Connell; Weston and Hayden Struble; Harper Perhus; Emily, Jaxson and Griffin Fode; Taylon, Kayla and Judian Schutz; Great-great grandchildren Landon Raile, Alayna and Brooks Patterson and Noah Schutz; Sisters-in-law Bonnie Enders, Carol Struble and Sherri Struble and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Muree of 74 years; his parents; sisters: Esther (Chris) Madsen, Dorothy (Beauford) Briggs, and Amy (Kenny) Dunsmore; brothers Clayton and Dell Struble; sisters-in-law Darlene (Dick) Schofield, Rachael (Milo) Brookens, and Gladys (Ralph) Wagner; brother-in-law Earl Enders; great- granddaughter Aerial O'Connell.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 15, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.
Private family interment with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 264 Kadoka, SD 57543.
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, January 15, 2021 - 10:00 a.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gus Craven
SPECIAL MUSIC
“The Church in the Wildwood”
“Silver Wings”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
John Madsen - Wes Enders
PALLBEARERS
Leslie O’Connell - Blake Horst
Raymond O’Connell - Craig O’Connell
Quentin Struble - Bruce O’Connell - Kris Struble
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
WITH MILITARY HONORS
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota