Leo F. Crompton

Leo died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

Leo F. Crompton was born on November 18, 1933, to Lloyd Thomas (LT) and Fern (Hamilton) Crompton in Leola, SD. He grew up and attended school in Wetonka, SD. He worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1955.

On November 18, 1960, Leo married Viola Jakober in Redfield, SD welcoming Vi’s two children, Gary and Stan, to his family. Leo raised his family in Wetonka, SD. In 1971, Leo and Vi moved to California where he worked for the Everfresh Dairy Company. He also owned Thompson Furniture and Office Supply and managed a motel. In 1989, Leo and Vi moved to Aberdeen where he worked as a truck driver for Harms Oil.

After Vi’s death in July 1991, Leo married Molly Holmes. After Molly’s death, he reconnected with a life-long friend, Beverly Wendt, with whom he shared the rest of this life.

Leo was a quiet man; private, but very caring. He was a hard worker and enjoyed putzing around in his garage and doing yardwork. He was an avid reader, enjoying biographies and non-fiction books. He could often be seen at the library picking up his weekly supply of books.

Grateful for having shared Leo’s life are his companion: Beverly Wendt; children: Gary (Lori) Liedle and Stan Liedle; grandchildren: Stacy (Cary) Bauer, Charlene (Landon) Jensen, Travis Liedle, Cindy Zarate, and Eric (Elizabeth) Owens; great-grandchildren: Brandon Bauer (Monica Gunsha), Shelby (Joseph) Serrano, Kya Jensen and Rogue Jensen; great-great-grandchild: Pepper Serrano; sister: Kelli Crompton Waltman; and life-long friend: Lavern Skott.

Preceding Leo in death are his parents: LT and Fern Crompton; stepmother: Grace (Labay) Waltman; great-great grandchild: Cody Owens; daughter-in-law: Patricia Liedle; three brothers and three sisters.