Leonard Stephen Stockert was born at home on October 21, 1937, in Buffalo Springs, ND. He was the fourth oldest of eight children born to Chris and Magdalene (Frank) Stockert. He earned his education in a country school near Amidon with his siblings, and by the time he had reached the 7th grade, he knew that someday he would become a rancher/farmer. Even at that young age, he loved working with horses, cattle, and tilling and working the land and had already begun learning and developing the necessary skills needed to make that dream come true. It seemed as though there was nothing that he could not fix and no problem he could not solve or resolve in his career life.

In the summer of 1956, Leonard met Ann Gawryluk through mutual friends, which developed into dating, and eventually a lifelong love for each other. After the wedding, they made their home near Amidon, ND, and worked in partnership alongside his father, Chris. Their first winter, they endured a hard winter, but managed to stay warm in their small 8'X27' home.

His dream of owning his own farm became a reality in October of 1961 when Leonard and Ann, along with the two oldest boys were able to move and purchase a farm/ranch 11 miles south of Bison, SD. There were many trials and challenges that he faced during this time, but God had orchestrated those experiences to capture Leonard's attention which led him to come, know and accept Jesus Christ as his person savior in October of 1969 at the Grace Baptist Church in Bison. Life for him took on a new role. He became bold in his new found faith and his love for the Lord which he loved to share with those around him, whether stranger, friend or family!!

God had greatly blessed Leonard, and in 1974, Leonard and Ann along with their 5 children were able to build a warmer and much larger home on the farm in Bison. Carpentry was another seemingly inate skill that Leonard had developed. Through the years, Leonard and Ann had talked and dreamed of relocating in the Black Hills area. Once again, God blessed them with an opportunity to purchase a ranch 13 miles east of Sturgis, SD. In May of 1989, Leonard and Ann moved to their new ranch. Shortly thereafter, they had designed and had a new home built. Leonard embraced the challenge of restoring this ranch and had worked hard to construct new barns, corrals, fences, water systems, and establishing a new shelter belt. During their time near Sturgis, they attended church at Calvary Baptist.

As the years progressed, the decision was made to sell and consider retirement. Their plan was to pursue many of his leisure interests and hobbies as well as travel. He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, restoring tractors, raising trees and tomatoes, card games with family and friends, evening walks, bowling, and spending time with his kids, grandkids, family, and friends. During his alone time, he would spend many hours watching his movie hero, John Wayne. Leonard had served many active roles throughout the years in the churches he had attended. He was a man of service! Those positions included Deacon, treasurer, usher, Sunday school teacher, and at times preaching God's word from the pulpit. He especially loved carpentry and maintenance work at the churches. Leonard was a member of the Gideons.

Before Leonard and Ann were able to start their retirement pursuits, he was involved in a farm related accident in which he broke his back. Once again, God had a plan and led them to relocate. In February of 2006, they purchased a small acreage, designed and had a new home built one mile west of Belle Fourche, SD. The last few years, there were many trials he endured including losing his life partner, Ann, as well as his own health issues. In October 2012, he was diagnosed with MDS. Despite the news and multiple medical procedures that accompanied this cancer, Leonard remained focused and driven. His stronghold was his faith and his love for his family.

Leonard went home to be reunited with his wife, family members, friends, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 25, 2013.

Leonard is survived by his five children and their families: Leonard Jr. (Donna) Stockert of Lemmon, SD, and their son, David, of Dickinson, ND; Curt Stockert, Sturgis, SD; Darrel (Michelle) Stockert of Bison, SD, and their children, Michael of Aberdeen, SD, and Jessica of Bison, SD; Brenda (Ron) Dragoo and their children, Christopher (Ginger) Dragoo and their daughter, Layla, Stephen (Kerry) Dragoo, all of Hettinger, ND, and Heather Dragoo, Spearfish, SD; and Doris (Rick) Weber and their children, Kayleen (Erich) Reissmueller and expectant child, Rachel Ann, and Winston Weber, all of Orange, CA.

Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; his parents; brothers, Jerome, Floyd, and Archie; sister, Mary Parker; and one infant grandson, Jeremy.

Visitation will be Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Sturgis with Pastor Harold Holder and Pastor Andy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

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