Gene Leddy

Gene Arlin Leddy, 85, of Twin Brooks, SD passed away on February 13^th at Avera Milbank Hospital after a courageous fight against cancer. He was a devoted farmer and rancher, proud Irishman, and above all a loving father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. A visitation and prayer service celebrating his life will take place at Mundwiler Funeral Home, on Friday, February 17, 2023, with visitation at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm and prayer service at 7:00 pm.  A funeral service will take place at Parkview United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday February 18^th in Milbank, SD, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Gene was born on January 29, 1938, to Ralph and Ethel (Henstrand) Leddy on the family farm. Gene lived all but six months on the family farm near Twin Brooks. Gene attended country school at Grant Center #6 through the eighth grade, and graduated from Milbank High School in 1956. During high school, Gene was active in FFA, 4-H (Whetstone Valley General  Livestock Club), and a myriad of livestock events. On September 18, 1960, Gene married Sandra Tesch. They were blessed with six children.

Gene worked as a rancher and farmer his whole life on the Leddy Hereford and Red Angus Centennial Farm. In 1955, Gene enlisted to serve for the Army National Guard in the 740^th Transportation Company. He served as the company clerk and was part of the unit when they were activated during the Berlin Crisis in 1961.   The six months that the unit was in Colorado was his only time off the farm. Family meant the world to Gene. When Gene’s children were young, he was an active volunteer with the Grant County 4-H program and the South Dakota Junior Hereford Association.  He was proud of the fact that the Leddy Farm hosted a 4-H livestock judging school for over 75 consecutive years.  He was also active with the South Dakota State Fair. He continued to show cattle until he “semi-retired” and then he volunteered as a courtesy cart driver up until the summer of 2022. During his life, Gene only missed one State Fair - 1952 -  due to a severe polio outbreak in South Dakota and his parents were scared he and his siblings would get sick. Gene always remembered birthdays—sending a card and a gift of money to all kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to “buy yourself a treat.” Gene loved to play cards, spend time visiting with friends and family, tending to his cattle, and watching birds. He was active until his last days.

Gene is survived by his son, Mark (Susan) Leddy of Milbank, SD, and their children: Lauren (Colby) Sanders, Andrew (Danielle) Leddy, and Kate (Sam) Wickstrom; his daughter, Jody (John) Neubauer of Olivia, MN and their children: Jessica Dooner, Jacob (Ashley) Dooner, Ty (Kenzy Lippert) Dooner, and Austin Neubauer; his daughter, Jana (Jon) Gadberry of Sioux Falls, SD, and their children: Jack (Breanna) Gadberry, Elizabeth (Sam) Koob, and Ben Gadberry; his son, Kent Leddy of Brookings, SD, and his son, Tristan Leddy; his son, Scot Leddy of Brookings, SD, and his children Darian, Quinn, and Jett; and  his son, Wade (Lori) Leddy of Twin Brooks, SD, and their children: Rebecca (Alex) Harms, and Allison Leddy. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Arlo and Dale; and sister, Arlys Jacobs; sister-in-law, Shirley Leddy; and brother-in-law, John Jacobs.   The family requests memorials be directed to Grant County 4-H in lieu of flowers.