LeRoy Stapp

LeRoy Stapp, 87, of Redfield, SD, went to be with the Lord, Friday, November 13, 2020.  LeRoy had been residing at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield. 

A private family funeral will take place Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.   Pastor Melissa Rowenhorst will officiate the service.   Out of safety concerns, no visitation will take place. 

LeRoy was born October 28, 1933, at the homestead and farm of Ted and Tillie (Neu) Stapp in rural Rockham, SD.  LeRoy attended grade school at a country school and high school in Redfield, SD.   He met and dated the love of his life Ginny Eidsness in high school and they married on April 5, 1952, in Redfield.   LeRoy and Ginny began farming with LeRoy’s parents. They resided at Ted and Tillie’s home for three years.  They then moved to Rockham in 1955 and lived there until 1966 with their three girls, Marty, Brenda, and Sheila.   In 1966, they moved back to the farm.  In 1993, Ginny and LeRoy moved to Redfield.  LeRoy continued to farm and ranch into his 70’s.  LeRoy welcomed and loved the partnership of his son-in-law, Mark Muellenberg.  They made quite a team, as both had the same work ethic and were very committed to their farm and ranch.  Both enjoyed moving their cattle on horses and LeRoy continued to ride bareback into his 70’s.   Their cattle were their pride and joy. 

LeRoy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Ginny kept LeRoy active on their social calendar!  LeRoy was a loyal friend. The tightknit and rural communities of Rockham and Redfield offered lifelong friendships.  The friends worshiped, danced, and shared life’s celebrations and losses together.

Leroy’s daughters always knew they were loved and supported.  In those times, the mothers often had the role of the day to day schedules and activities for their children, but LeRoy would always show up and be there for them!  He was very proud of all three of his daughters.  He taught his daughters by example that hard work and honesty build respectability.  He was a strong man of faith with strong morals and respected by many. 

LeRoy enjoyed his grandchildren immensely.  He enjoyed having them in their home and attending their events.  He loved them all very much. 

LeRoy loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting and took yearly trips to the Black Hills to hunt.  He traveled to Alaska for a fishing trip with his son-in-law, Steve Kalkman, and very much enjoyed that experience. 

LeRoy served on the Rockham Elevator Board and the United Methodist Church Board.   His most favorite social outing, however, was early morning coffee with the guys! 

LeRoy is survived by his daughters:  Sheila Muellenberg, Redfield, SD; Brenda (Terry) Schmidt, Watertown, SD; and Marty (Steve) Kalkman, Rapid City, SD.  He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Heather (Chris) Rude; Heidi (Gabe) Gehrke; Michelle (Shawn) Poe; Stephanie (Jan) Stenstadvolden; and Kristina Kalkman.  He is survived by his great-grandchildren:  Ella Rude-Peterson, Brody and Grady Rude; Tillie and Jack Gehrke; Calista and Elise Poe; Anders and Owen Stenstadvolden; Lilly and Waverly Seale, and Natalie White.   He is also survived by his brother LaDell (Lani) Stapp; sister-in-law Lois Stemper; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins of the Stapp, Neu, and Eidsness families. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Ginny (Eidsness) Stapp, parents Ted & Tillie Stapp, sister Dorthea Schmidt, and son-in-law, Mark Muellenberg. 

Memorials will go to the Future Farmers of America, Redfield United Methodist Church, and numerous other non-profits. 

No flowers are requested.  Family or friends are welcome to order a balloon with a message to be released at the cemetery.  If interested, please call Country Classic Floral Shoppe at 605-472-1125. 

The family is planning a celebration of LeRoy’s life in the spring. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

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LeRoy's Pallbearers

Michelle Poe, Shawn Poe, Heather Rude, Chris Rude, Heidi Gehrke, Gabe Gehrke

Honorary Pallbearers

Todd Miner, Lyle Michels, Kristina Kalkman, Stephanie Stenstadvolden

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