Leo Nicholas Gottwald, 86, passed away at Fort Meade VA Hospital, Fort Meade, SD, Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Leo was born December 5, 1937, in Lake Henry, Minnesota and baptized at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Lake Henry. He was the youngest son born to Joseph and Angela (Weidner) Gottwald. He grew up on a farm just outside of town.

He served in the US Army from 1956-1958. Following basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri he was stationed to Kaiserslautern, Germany. Following his discharge from the army his working life included farming, a mechanic at John Deere, and a coast-to-coast truck driver; visiting all of the states but Alaska.

He married Mavis Ann Frasier on June 2, 1962, in Spearfish, SD. To this union four children were born: Sheila Loretta, Patricia Evelyn, Leonard Joseph, and Pamela Marie. They would later divorce

Leo married Ruby Timberman on July 21, 2001, in Miles City, Montana. To this union he gained two additional children: sons, Alan and Craig.

He was a fantastic storyteller and always loved a good joke. Visiting with friends and family was always a favorite activity; along with working on and collecting old tractors and farm equipment.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, 11 siblings and their spouses, and grandson, Patrick Wintermote.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Ruby; children, Sheila (Dave) Rosno, Patti (Rick) Wobig, Leonard (Stephanie) Gottwald, Pam Aguallo, Alan (Danette) Christiansen, and Craig Christiansen; eight grandchildren, four step grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six step great grandchildren, and one on the way!

Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery, Friday, July 19, 2024, 9:30 a.m. Family will gather at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD, at 8:30 a.m. and process to the cemetery.

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