Leo E. Patton

of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Friday, November 3, 2023
at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip at the age of 97

Leo was born to William “Bill” and Olga (Grotto) Patton on February 12, 1926, the first of twins, in Pierre, South Dakota. The family moved to the homestead when the twins were one year old. Leo attended grade school until 10th grade at the O’Neil School about a mile east of the homestead. He walked or rode horseback to school. Leo graduated from Philip High School in 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy for two years. After being honorably discharged he worked several jobs including assessing, teaching, but mostly ranching.

He was united in marriage to Joan Stephenson in 1954. In 1960 they moved to their present location on Plum Creek. They had a basement poured, CAPP homes put up a frame on top of the basement. They lived in the basement, for 10 years while completely finishing the house together. Together they raised eight children: Barb, Sharon, Carol, Linda, Cathy, Janet, Susan, and Bill.

Leo played baseball and later coached softball. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, hunting, and was extremely proud of roping calves in every decade of his life, including two calves when he was over 90 years old!

Leo was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include his wife Joan Patton of Milesville; son Bill (Michelle) Patton of Eagan, MN; daughters, Barbara (Denny) Howe of Sioux Falls, Sharon (George) Kauffman of Colorado Springs, CO, Carol (Ralph Jr.) Kroetch of Philip, Linda (Jim) Stangle of Milesville, Janet Penland of Le Sueur, MN, and Susan (David) Jones of Le Sueur, MN; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law Bob (Lorrie) Knight; nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother Lyle Patton; infant brother John Patton; sister Rita Merrill; infant son Richard Patton; daughter Cathy Knight; and son-in-law Terry Penland.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a Christian Vigil starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

A Christian Funeral Committal with military honors will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Service Details

VISITATION
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL VIGIL
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL MASS
Friday, November 10, 2023 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Fr. Grant Gerlach
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Megan Hoffman - Vocalist
“On Eagles Wings” - “Here I Am Lord” - “I Am The Bread of Life”
“Song of Farewell” - “How Great Thou Art”

USHERS
Todd Radway - Mark Radway

LECTOR
Linda Stangle

ALTAR SERVERS
Paul Piroutek - Joseph Piroutek

PALLBEARERS
All of Leo’s Grandsons

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Joan and Family, so sorry to hear the passing of Leo. He was a wonderful, kind loving man that loved his family dearly. He is flying with the angels and smiling down with pride on his family.
   ~ Theresa Pekron Arvada CO (11/9/2023)
Thinking of all you folks during this loss, but we all know that he is in a better place. Hold on to all the memories.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (11/7/2023)
Rest in peace Leo, condolences to the Patton clan
   ~ Patrick Quinn Centennial CO (11/5/2023)
Joann and family, I have many fond memories of time at your place. So sorry for your loss and keeping you all in my prayers!
   ~ Debbi (Pfeifle) Bumpous Bath, SD (11/5/2023)
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE
   ~ A VETERAN (11/6/2023)
Joann & Family, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (11/5/2023)
Sympathy and prayers to the family and friends
   ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (11/9/2023)
Prayers to the Patton families. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead.
   ~ Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (11/11/2023)

Flowers

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Emily, Justin, Makenzie, Everly, Maya, Adalynn, and Lily
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O'Connell Construction - Glenn, Trace, and Families
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Dakota Country Pharmacy
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Family - "Husband" "Father"
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Kadoka Area School District
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Minnesota Valley Veterinary Services and Arlington Animal Clinic
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Your Avera Family
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Joe and Kathy Gittings; Kara and Gerry Moriarty; Jay and Jen Gittings; Mary and Danny Quinn; John and Emily Gittings; and Families
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Legler Family
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Dan and Laurie Heldberg
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Scotchman Living Center
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Mike and Faye Piroutek and Family
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Todd and Traci; Mark and Judith; Tom and Marie; Stacy and Gary Dole; and Sandy Rathbun
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St. Marys Bible Study Group
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Family - from the Grandkids
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Daktronics - Employer of Mark Stangle
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Your Friends at Garmin