Leonard Elmer Suess Sr., 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, died on September 7, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

Born on March 30, 1947, Leonard was raised in Springfield, Minnesota. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970. It was while stationed in Laredo, Texas that he met Diana Navarro. They were happily married for 45 years until her death in 2013.

Leonard is survived by his partner, Beverly Juhl of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his children, Leonard Elmer Suess Jr. (Jessica), Jennifer Anne Suess, and Tracy Michelle Esquivel (Sergio); his grandchildren, Joseph and Olivia Suess; his sisters, Marjorie Williams (Don) of Jamestown, Tennessee, and Fern Shaw of Riverview, Florida; his sister-in-law, and Patricia Suess of Springfield, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Andrew and Violet (Neal) Suess; his wife, Diana; and his brother, Frank William Suess. Leonard was known for his sense of humor, warm presence, kindness and willingness to help. Leonard was a man of many hobbies who was self-taught in many disciplines.

He was always eager to lend a  helping hand no matter what the size of the task, and he did so for the pure joy of learning and helping others. He treasured spending time with his loved ones. During the past 12 years, he shared travel and time with his children, grandchildren, Beverly Juhl, and her family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Hernandez Lopez and Sons Funeral Chapel. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by a chapel service at 10:00 a.m. and burial at 11:45 a.m. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.