Leo R. Warnke Sr., age 82, of Huron, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at his home in Huron.

His Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2011, at the Riverview United Methodist Church in Huron with burial at the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron.

Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Welter Funeral Home with visitation and sharing with the family from 6-8 p.m. Friday night; or one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Leo Warnke, the son of Carl and Clara (Mohlis) Warnke, was born on March 3, 1929, in Sumner, IA. He attended school and graduated from Sumner High School. Leo married Vera Nelson on December 25, 1950, at the Esmond United Methodist in Esmond, SD. Leo served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1952. Leo worked as a mechanic for the Chevrolet Garage for several years, and owned the Standard Oil Station in Huron for many years as well. He also worked as the Mechanic in Charge for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

Leo was a member of the Riverview United Methodist Church in Huron. He was also a member of the William Reaves American Legion Post #7, and the Forrest McMullen VFW Post #1776 in Huron. Leo enjoyed gardening and doing yard work. He also loved to spend his time at Lake Byron fishing, boating, and waterskiing.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Vera, of Huron, SD; 2 sons, Leo (Lynne) Warnke, of Brookings, SD, and Ross Warnke of Huron, SD; daughter, Connie (Mike) Sarahan of Huron, SD; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Raymond (Margie) Warnke, of Maynard, IA ; 3 sisters, Mildred, Doretta, and Verona; and many nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lester Warnke; and sister, Margaret Seehase.