Leonard L. Mitchell, 87, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
A funeral service was held January 13, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. Following the service, Leonard was buried at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.
Leonard L. Mitchell was born on August 13, 1936, in Pipestone, MN, to Frank and Harriet (Cooley) Mitchell. He worked on the family farm and graduated from Morris Ag School in 1954.
Leonard married Janice M. Meyer on July 6, 1957, at Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. They lived in Flandreau, SD, Lawton, OK, and Mitchell, SD, before settling in Sioux Falls, SD. Leonard was a National Guardsman for seven years, being called active during the Berlin Crisis, was a sales expert in the electronics field, and was a property manager until retirement.
Leonard enjoyed working in his yard and fixing things, but his greatest passions were hunting, fishing, and camping. He cherished the time he spent with his family, particularly his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Leonard and Jan joined Our Saviors Lutheran Church in 1968 and enjoyed volunteering there.
Over his 87 years, his family was the most important to him.  Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 66 years, Jan Mitchell of Sioux Falls, SD, three children, 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Leonard’s son Shane (Kathi) Mitchell, Henderson, NV family: Ryan Mitchell; Andrea (Aaron) Milam, Oliver and Bailey. Leonard’s daughter Karla Mitchell, Tracy, MN family: Mark (Amanda) Brinkley, Annabel (Hem) Brinkley Thapa and Iris, Shawna, Talon, Xander, Kelton, Lennox, Bishop, Wixton;  Vladimir (Gaylena Timshishkin), Anyastacia and Lidia Black; Ian (Callie) Black, Brantley and Jamison; Talitha (Jason) Brandel-Black; David (Ciana) Ash; Elsa (Porter Turpin) Black; Astya Black. Leonard’s daughter Colleen (Steve) Buss, Beresford, SD family: Stefenie (Mike) Smith, Emily,  Mitchell,  Clara, Paige Smith; Elison (Mike) Elter, Nick and Paisley Elter; Amanda (Scott) Flewelling, Olivia, Hayden and Emma Flewelling; Abby Buss;  Joshua-deceased- (Melinda) and Gracie Buss; Rachel (Brandon) Dreesen, Kaidon, and Lilly Dreesen; Dakota Buss; and a host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, seven sisters, and grandson, Joshua Buss.
MIller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD assisting with arrangements.  For online obituary and guest register go to the website at www.millerfh.com.