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Submitted: 6/25/23 • Approved: 7/3/23 • Last Updated: 7/6/23 • R275130-G275130-S3
SECTION OAK Plot 2659
Leonard Blue
April 15, 1936 - May 18, 2022
Leonard “Lenny” Blue, 86, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Sanford Hospital surrounded by his family.
Lenny was born on April 15, 1936 in Sioux Falls, SD to Walter and Muriel Blue. Raised in Sioux Falls, he graduated from Washington High School in 1954. Lenny was a member of the Air National Guard from 1954 to 1963 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was President of United Commercial Travelers Council 100 from 1956 to 1960.
Leonard married Beverly (Decker) Michels on September 15, 1972. Together they raised five children.
A mason by trade, Lenny was a part of the Bricklayer’s Union until his retirement in 2002. Many homes and buildings in the Sioux Falls area have Lenny’s meticulous attention to detail as a part of their structures. An avid sports fan, Lenny enjoyed working at the Howard Wood Relays from 1992 until his final meet this year. In more recent years, it became more of a social outing for him than anything, but he enjoyed the relationships with his fellow workers.
After retirement, Lenny and Bev travelled extensively in their motorhome making friends and visiting family along the way. They enjoyed spending the winter months in warmer climates. He would often keep his children informed when it was “cold” down south where he was and giggle at his own joke, knowing that most of his kids were further north in much colder climates.
Those blessed by having him in their lives include his wife of 49 years, Beverly; daughters, Kim Olson, Kelly (Greg) Bartlett, and Michelle (Tony) Boer; sons, Stephen (Amy) Blue and Scott (Carrie) Blue; grandchildren, Heather (Greg) Behrens, Derek (Lynn) Olson, Trevor (Samantha) Bartlett, Payton Murphy, Michaela Boer, Anna (Matthew) Gabel, Jacob Boer, Scott Blue, Jonathan Blue, Will Hunter Venegas, Josiah Venegas, and Piper Blue; great-grandchild Avery Behrens; brother, Robert (Barbara) Blue and many close friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the ministry Lights Out has been established or a memorial may be given to a ministry of your choice.
Visitation, with family present, will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Contributed on 6/25/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275130