Dale Leischner

Funeral services for Dale Leischner 89-year-old Buffalo resident who passed away Monday evening at the Johnson County Health Care Center surrounded by loving family members, will be held Friday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with Pastor Randy Gardner officiating. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside services to be held at a later date. Donations in Dale’s memory may be made to the St. Francis Animal Shelter at 109 Flat Iron Drive in Buffalo. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.

Dale was original, one of a kind, loving, and had a unique sense of humor that created a bond with everyone around him. He was born on August 26th, 1937, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota to Edward and Esther Leischner. Dale grew up and lived in Wessington Springs. After graduating from Wessington Springs High School in 1955, he attended college at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion before moving back to Wessington Springs to partner with his father owning and operating Springs Implement and Gas Company.

At this time, Dale got married to his high school sweetheart Anita Beth Stulken, which turned into a lifelong union of 66 years. There they raised three children, Kelly, Kristy and Kirk, before moving to Buffalo Wyoming in 1981, where they owned and operated Granny’s Bloomers Greenhouse, and he was employed by the Wyoming Highway Department.

Dale loved animals, especially his pets, sports of all kinds , music and taking his family on adventures, going into the majestic Bighorn Mountains. He loved gardening, fishing for walleye, and pheasant hunting. He enjoyed activities like family vacations to the Missouri River, Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks and Canada. The family favorite was yearly vacations to Ottertail Lake where lifetime memories were made.

Dale lived a full and wonderful life. He attended as many high school sporting events as he could, being recognized with fan awards several times. He served in the Army National Guard, and was a volunteer fireman, played many sports like basketball, football, track and slow pitch softball, where he acquired his life-long nickname “Big Noogie”. Though not exactly religious, Dale had a strong belief in God that was beautifully demonstrated in the way he loved nature, people, and his family. He is survived by daughter Kristy Money of Buffalo, son Kirk Leischner and wife Cathy of Buffalo. Grandchildren Aaron Money and wife Monica of Buffalo, Whitney Nelson and husband Ben of Missoula, Montana, Ryan Money of Buffalo, Collin Harris of Buffalo. Two step- grandchildren Abbie Daich and husband Jeff of Buffalo, and Raleigh Coones of Virginia. Four Great-grandchildren RaeLee, Norah, Marissa & Logan. He is also survived by numerous nephews and a niece. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Esther Leischner, his four sisters Rella, Jean, Gladys and Betty. His wife Anita, daughter Kelly Harris and her husband Jim Harris.