Leroy Neuharth

Funeral services for Leroy Neuharth were held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Don Windsberger officiating.

Music was provided by Grace Lutheran Choir, accompanied by Randy Sachtjen, organist. Shelli Spellman was in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were Scott Stukel, Nick Stark, Jett Blakeman, Oakley Blakeman, Tyler Richardson, Scott Dobesh and Brad Dobesh. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery in

Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Leroy was born August 2, 1939, in Burke, SD, the son of Emil and Christena (Lindwurm) Neuharth. He grew up on a farm south of Burke. Leroy was baptized and confirmed in the country church of Peace Lutheran Church of Carlock. When the country church closed he became a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Burke.

Leroy attended country school through the eighth grade at the Neuharth School. It was called the Neuharth School because it was located on land which originally belonged to his grandfather. It was also where his father attended school. Leroy graduated from Burke High School in 1957. After high school he went to Chicago to work for Continental Airlines with his friend, Bill Frank.

On September 4, 1960, he married Sharon Peterson. To this union four children were born: Randy, Sandy, Christi and Cory. They farmed close to his parents’ farm and later moved onto his parents’ farm in 1968. He also operated a dairy farm. In 2002 the farm was sold to Terry Neuharth. He was divorced in 1991.

After he left the farm Leroy lived in Deadwood, SD, and worked at the Wooden Nickel Casino. He also lived in Menlo and Colby, KS, where he helped farmers with harvesting. Later Leroy was employed with Morning Star Photography and sold aerial photos of farms throughout Kansas and South Dakota. After his mother’s death he made his residence in Gregory.

In 2011 he became suddenly ill and spent many months at the McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Upon his return to Gregory, he was cared for at Avera Rosebud Country Care Center.

Leroy passed away on October 3, 2021 at the age of 82 years. Leroy is survived by his family Randy (Jeri) Neuharth of Yankton, SD; Sandy (Doug) Stukel of Burke, SD; Christi (Troy) Richardson of Blackhawk, SD and Cory (Stacey) Neuharth of Belle Fourche, SD; eleven grandchildren: Nicholas (Brett) Stark, Scott (Wendy) Stukel, Bridget Stukel, Adyson Stukel, Sierra (Nate) Dusek, Kayla (Rylan) Eddington, Tyler (Carissa) Richardson, Tara Richardson, Jett Blakeman, Oakley Blakeman, Tenley Neuharth; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Arlene (Neuharth) Dobesh, and brother-in-law Dennis Dobesh.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Christena Neuharth; grandparents Henry and Christina Neuharth and William and Lena Lindwurm.