Leon Tennant | 1934 - 2023
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Oct 5, 2023 | 8:50 AM / 216 views
ONIDA, SD –
Leon Everette Tennant, 89, of Onida, SD, passed away peacefully at Avera Oahe Manner in Gettysburg, SD, on September 29, 2023. Visitation will be from 10:00am until 11:00am on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the Onida Methodist Church, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00am. Leon will be laid to rest at the Onida Cemetery.
Leon was born on January 9, 1934, to Donald Everette and Mildred Pearl (Kuhns) Tennant. Leon was a lifelong resident of Sully County.
Leon married Beverly Banghart at the Methodist Church in Pierre on September 28, 1952. Together they had four children: Leanne, Randy, Lori, and Kari.
Leon farmed his entire adult life, until the age of 63, when he turned the farm over to his son Randy. He grew wheat, corn and sunflowers. He also raised cattle, hogs and a few chickens. He raised sheep until the blizzard of 1963 wiped them out. After retiring, he and Beverly moved to Onida in August of 1997. For the next 10 years he drove out to the farm most every day (especially during the summer months) to help Randy out.
Leon enjoyed reading, especially the Louis L’Amour books, and attending Sully Buttes sporting events (especially to watch his kids and grandkids). When he was unable to go, he always listened to SBHS Sports on the radio up until he moved into the Manor. He also enjoyed listening to country music and playing cards. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, United Methodist Church and later the Presbyterian Church all in Onida.
Leon’s life was his family, church and farming!
Leon is survived by his children, Leanne (Bob) Cunningham, Sioux Falls, Randy (Gail) Tennant, Pierre, Lori (Jerry) Sperry, Pierre, Kari (Dan) Kalkman, Chaska, MN; sister Edna Brunmeier, Onida, SD; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Leon was preceded in death by his wife Beverly; and his sisters Dorothy Thompson, Darlene Carter and Helen Paxton.
