Robert Eugene Leonard was born in Rapid City to Oliver and Ida (Schlimgen) Leonard on June 12, 1941. He had 2 older sisters, Pat (deceased in 2022) and Dorothy (deceased in 1993). He can be described as the original Fonz of Rapid City High School and the unofficial Mayor of Central City. He was able to charm just about anyone, and had a joke or one-liner for every occasion.
He married Lois Kay Hochhalter in 1961, and they had 2 children, son Rob (married to Becky Adams), and daughter Kelly (married to Gary Kindorf). Later in life, Bob reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Merry Steensland, and they married in 2005.
During his life, Bob had many careers, and he’d tell you there weren’t many things he didn’t do. His primary career was working as a Broker for his real estate and development company. He also owned a taffy shop in Wall, ran a casino in Deadwood, and helped manage a plumbing company in Alaska and California. His love for cars grew while pumping ethyl at Krebs on 8th St back in high school.
Bob loved old cars, boating and fishing at Pactola, hunting with Rob and friends, dressing up for Halloween, making Tom and Jerry’s for the holidays, having lunch with the Good ‘Ol Boys, and just making sure everyone was having a good time. He was proud of his 2 kids, along with his 5 grandkids, Christopher, Michelle, Michael, Jacob and Kinsey.
If he MC’d his own funeral, he would start by saying, “I suppose you’re wondering why I called you all here.” When we replied, “to celebrate you and your life”, he would reply, “I’ll drink to that!”
A Catholic memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Reception to follow at Marcos Pizza, 3625 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Flowers are appreciated, and may be sent directly to the church.
Celebrate a life well-lived with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.