Leonard M. Anker

Leonard M. Anker passed from this life on May 28, 2018, at the age of 94.
Leonard was born February 8, 1924 to Louis and Anna Marie (Monson) Anker on a homestead near Van Metre, S.D. He was the fourth of five children.
After his mother passed away at a young age, he worked the farm and cared for his younger sister while his father worked in the shipyards in Washington and sent money home to support the family. Leonard kept the farm going for his siblings, which is a testament to his natural farming abilities. During these years, he also broke horses for his neighbors and during this time frame he met Casey Tibbs and considered him a friend.
On June 10, 1950, Leonard married the love of his life, Mary Ann England. They made their home on a farm north of Murdo where together they had three children. They farmed and ranched for over 60 years together. He always had a smile and a warm meal for friends and family. 
Leonard was a member of the Murdo United Methodist Church and, after retirement, attended the Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City. He served on the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association Board of Directors and won several awards for farming, including being named Top Producer of the Year in Jones County. He became a Freemason on March 22, 1969.
In the 1970’s Leonard and Mary Ann purchased a motel in Murdo, S.D. Leonard worked the farm and helped Mary Ann with the motel in the evenings. They enjoyed spending winters in Arizona with their daughter and granddaughter. While going to Arizona, he picked up the game of golf. He is remembered by those who played with him for his unique swing.
He was also an avid hunter and went on hunting trips for deer, elk and bear in Idaho with his good friend, Bill Shelton. He taught his children and grandchildren to hunt. He continued to go hunting into his 90s, to make sure everyone was doing it right.
Grateful for having shared Leonard’s life are his wife of 68 years, Mary Ann, Rapid City; sons, Guy Anker, Murdo, Stan (Bonnie) Anker, Rapid City, and daughter, Lauri Brigham, Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren Stanton (Amber Anker), Amanda (Kane) Diers, and Amber Dunn; seven great-grandchildren who always put a smile on his face; Mason, Abigail, Calla, Makenzie, Alexis, Isla and Kinsley; brother-in-law Delmer Miller, Rapid City; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Leonard was preceeded in death by his parents, his sisters Mildred Rust, Inez Cardamon, Doris Miller and his brother Mons Anker.
Celebration of life services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, S.D. Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. CDT.
Family and friends may sign Leonard’s online guestbook at Kirk Funeral Home.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
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