August 29, 1943 – March 30, 2025
Leon Zentner, 81, of Morristown passed away at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morristown with Fr. Adam Hofer officiating. Burial was in the Morristown Cemetery.
Leon was born on August 29, 1943 to Martin and Matilda Zentner on the family farm near Isabel. He was the 7th of 11 children.
In 1964 he married Pauline Huck. Together they raised three children.
For several years he worked for George Burns on a ranch south of Morristown raising hogs and cattle. In 1978, he and Pauline purchased the nearby Vatland place. This was the beginning of “The Hard Hat Ranch.” At the ranch they raised cattle, some chickens, emus and farmed.
Last summer, Leon and Pauline moved to an assisted living facility in Ft. Pierre where Pauline continues to reside.
Even during the most difficult of times, Leon found a way to move forward. He found joy in the little things, fishing, green grass and Ole and Lena jokes. He was hard working and hard headed, kind and thoughtful, friendly and silly. You could always count on him for a laugh.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Matilda; siblings Dennis, Duane, Viola, Lew, Al, and Lorraine; and grandson Nick.
He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Pauline; sons Mike (Serena), and Tim (aka TJ); daughter Dawn (Sam); brothers Kenny and Darold; sisters Evelyn and Merlene; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.