Leon Francis Dockendorf was born May 25, 1951 at Mitchell, SD to Leo and Frances (Herll) Dockendorf.  He grew up on his parent’s farm south of White Lake and graduated from Platte High School in 1969.  He served in the Army National Guard Unit at Platte for six years.  On April 29, 1972 he married Carolynn Kurtenbach at Armour, SD. In 1984 they moved to Emery where they made their home and raised their family.  He was involved in sales for agriculture and livestock products for many years.  Leon was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed spending time at their cabin near Fairfax, SD, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church where he served on the finance committee for many years and was a member of the Emery American Legion.

Leon is survived by his wife Carolynn, two daughters: Brenda Wyland and husband, Jeremy of Glyndon, MN, Paula Burke and husband, Dave of Sioux Falls, one son, Lee Dockendorf and wife, Ashton of Sioux Falls, son-in-law, Brian Leitheiser and wife, Becky of Emery, four grandchildren: Zackary and Madyson Leitheiser, and Parker and Tessa Burke and one brother, Ron Dockendorf and wife, Inez of Burke, SD.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Leitheiser, his parents and a nephew, Darrell Dockendorf.