Leonard E. Fritzsche, age 92, of Huron, and formerly of Wessington, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Avantara Huron. His memorial visitation will be from 3-5 pm on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with a prayer service to begin at 4 pm. Inurnment will be at a later date in Wessington.

Leonard Eugene Fritzsche was born August 29, 1930 to Earl E. and Hazel M. (Galbreath) Fritzsche in Beadle County, South Dakota.  Leonard was the youngest of five children, of which all were musically inclined.  As a young boy, Leonard began playing trumpet. He would sit on the steps of his parent's farmhouse and practice.  He couldn't read music until he learned in high school, but as he continued to play, he always preferred playing by ear. Being very athletic in high school, Leonard excelled in both basketball and track.  He graduated from Wessington High School in 1948.

On January 13, 1951, Leonard was united in marriage to LuAnne Williams at the Wessington Community Church in Wessington, SD.  Leonard and LuAnne lived on the Earl Fritzsche homestead near Wessington where they created a full life together in raising their family (Kevin & Jeff) and began their farming operation.   In 1966, Len bought the town grocery store, which he renamed "Len's". He butchered his own meat and LuAnne ran the till.   He sold it in the summer of 1974 and returned to farming.

Leonard joined the Al Better Band at the age of 17 and later, the Vern Better Band – a career that spanned over 40 years.  Leonard's music career is surely the legacy he leaves his family. Leonard was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame in 2002.  The couple enjoyed socializing with friends and dances where Len would play his trumpet.  Their lives were enriched by their friends who were like family, that would join them at the Sunset, Sportsman's, Elks, or Red Arrow.

In June of 1998, Leonard & LuAnne moved to Wessington where Leonard's day would begin with a drive out around his farm to check on things and stopping at Cenex for a quick game of cards.

Leonard was a strong supporter of the Wessington School and community. His most treasured "role" however, was that of Grandpa and Great-Grandpa—as he & LuAnne followed their grandchildren to every basketball game, track meet, football game, prom, baseball game, homecoming, award presentations and all races at Dakota State Fair Speedway.

Those left to cherish his life are his two sons, Kevin (Gayleen) Fritzsche, of Huron, Jeffrey (Holly Kahle) Fritzsche of Wessington, two grandchildren, Jessica (Kip) Tschetter, of Huron; and their children Brailey, Skye, & Storm; Jason (Devin) Fritzsche, of Huron and their children Abbi, Allison, Axel and Alivia; sister in law, Maxine Fritzsche of Rapid City; brother in law, Doug (Mary) Williams of Huron;  Kevin's family; Sherry (Jon) and their children Laina, MacKenzie, & Addison; Darrel (Katie) and their children Brayden & Sonora; Jeff's extended family; Kailen, Karsyn, Padyn, & Riggin and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, LuAnne, on September 30, 2022, his parents and siblings, Edward (Elaine) Fritzsche, Lois (Bill) Pierce, Harold (Lois) Fritzsche, and Lucille (Kenneth) Palmer.  He will be so missed by the many people who loved him.