September 25, 1935– October 13, 2020
Donald Robert Leff, 85, of Northfield, MN, formerly of Mobridge, passed away on October 13, 2020, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services were initially postponed. However, the family now invites you to join them in celebrating Don’s life on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11 a.m. CT at the United Congregational Church in Mobridge. Arrangements are with Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield.
Don and his identical twin brother, John, were born September 25, 1935, to Wenzel and Marie (Vojta) Leff at the Lowe Hospital in Mobridge. Don grew up in Mobridge, surrounded by his five siblings and attended Mobridge schools, graduating from Mobridge High School in 1954.
Don served two years in the U.S. Army and worked as a sign painter for several years with his father and brother John. (Don’s father, Wenzel, operated a sign business in Timber Lake during the town’s early days.)
Don spent many years working as a self-employed carpenter, specializing in flooring installation.
Don married Marvelyn “Susie” Frerking of Lemmon on December 2, 1967. They were the last couple to be married in the old United Congregational Church. They made their home in Mobridge and raised two children, Jared and Jami.
Don was an engaged member of his community. He participated in the Mobridge Jaycees and served for a number of years on the Mobridge School Board, serving as president during the end of his tenure. Later, he served for several years as a Walworth County commissioner. Don was also very active in the United Congregational Church throughout his life. He was a faithful and dedicated member of that congregation since 1950, serving many decades as an usher and holding numerous committee and volunteer positions.
In 2014, Don moved to Northfield to be closer to his three grandchildren. He joined the First United Church of Christ there as an associate member in 2015.
After living independently in an apartment for nearly six years, Don moved to Three Links Care Center in March 2020 due to failing health. Although COVID-19 precautions prevented family visits for many months, his daughter was able to be with him in his final days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Jim Burnham, his wife, his sister Frances Burnham, and his sister-in-law, Lucille Leff.
He is survived by his son Jared Leff and girlfriend Teresa Romans of Mobridge and his daughter Dr. Jami Leff Reister, her husband Dr. Randolph Reister, and their children Benjamin, Jacob, and Annika of Northfield; siblings Mary Ann Croy, Dr. Wenzel (Julanne) Leff, John Leff, Helen (Larry) Reede; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials are preferred to United Congregational Church of Mobridge and the A.H. Brown Public Library, 521 Main Street, Mobridge, SD 57601.