Funeral Service for Leo Frank Sebek, 83, of Claire City, South Dakota will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Lutheran Chruch, Claire City, South Dakota with Pastors Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett and Karie Geyer officiating. Organist will be Criss Kemnitz and Soloist Jerry Nelson. Pallbears will be his grandchildren Denise Swenson, Lee Sebek, Andrew Sebek, Hope Christenson and Tanner Stapleton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leo's great grandchildren and all his friends. Interment will be in Claire City Cemetery, Claire City, South Dakota with military rites by Otto-Quande-Renville Post #50 and Ft. Sisseton VFW Post #3342. There will be visitation at the Church on Sunday, from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Leo Frank Sebek was born to parents Ed and Rose (Prihoda) Sebek on October 11, 1932. He was born on the Sebek farm north of Claire City where he lived and farmed his entire life.
He attended grade school at Norway #4 country school and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1950. In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. When he left Sisseton for basic training, he met a young man, Bernard Rolstad who was on the bus. They served in the Army for 2 years and continued their friendship for all these years. He served one year at an Army base in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Leo was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was very proud of serving in the Army. He returned home and farmed with his brother Eugene for many years. Leo now farmed with his son, Mike and grandson Lee. On October 29, 1961 Leo was united in marriage to Karen Hove at Hope Lutheran Church near Sisseton. They continued to farm and celebrated 54 years together. They became parents of 2 children Michael and Julie. His favorite pasttime was coffee with the guys and taking Mike and Julie out for dinner when in Sisseton. In later years, his Ranger was his favorite pasttime around the farm. Leo and Karen enjoyed many trips together and many trips with special friends. He served on the New Effington School Board; First Lutheran Church Council; Claire City Cemetery Board; and Roberts County Crop Improvement Board for over 50 years. He was an active member of the Ft. Sisseton VFW Post #3342 and Otto-Quande-Renville Post #50. They were blessed all their lives and blessed with a special family. Leo died on January 14, 2016 at Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, SD.
Leo is survived by his wife, Karen; his son Mike and wife Bonnie; his daughter Julie and husband Dana Stapleton; five grandchildren Denise (Shane) Swenson, Lee (Amy) Sebek, Andrew (Misty) Sebek, Hope (Jeff) Christenson and Tanner Stapleton; six great grandchildren Carson Sebek, Keslar Swenson, Ashlynn Sebek, Kutler Swenson, Kinzley Swenson, Liam Sebek and one expected in May.
Leo was proceeded in death by his parents, Ed and Rose Sebek; brother Edward Sebek, sister Angeline and husband Merl Burkholder and brother Eugene and wife Chantel Sebek, and his Parents in-law Kenneth and Agnes Hove and niece Sarah Bergstrom.