Julian “Sim” LeBeau

Julian “Sim” LeBeau, 61, of Spearfish, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Monument Health Hospice in Rapid City after a brief illness.

Burial of his cremains will be at Mossman Cemetery in Ridgeview at a private service for immediate family only, at a later date.

Sim was born on November 16, 1959 to Martin and Gladys (Claymore) LeBeau in Eagle Butte, the fifth of eight children.

As a very small child he received his unique nickname when his dad watched the old western “Rage at Dawn” with Randolph Scott and named him after a character in the movie, Simeon “Sim” Reno. The name stuck and was the only one he knew.

Sim was born developmentally disabled and lived at home with the love and care of his family. This all changed with the untimely passing of his mother in 1989, and he moved to the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield where he gained the skills to live in the community.

He then moved to Spearfish (Northern Hills Training Center) where he thrived and made many new friends. His family is forever grateful for the care Sim received throughout the years, especially from staff at the 34th Street house.

Sim enjoyed the simple things life has to offer: a car ride, looking out the window, a hug from a friend, and plenty of beverages. He loved seeing family and friends, listening to music, and most recently, working in the garden. He was also known for his love of black t-shirts.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his memory are three brothers— Leland (Melissa) LeBeau of Eagle Butte, Russel (Deanna) LeBeau of Browns Valley, MN, and Blaine Le Beau of Blunt; four sisters— Elaine (Mark) Goehring of Blunt, Sharon (the late Eddie) Anderson of Eagle Butte, Donna (Richie) Vrooman of Redfield, and LeeAnne (Clint) Birkeland of Dupree.

Sim was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Gladys; his brother-in-law, Eddie Anderson; and two nephews, Flint Dahl and Cooper Harry LeBeau.

(Lee Anne Birkeland’s address is PO Box 336, Dupree, SD 57623.)