Francis LeClaire, 85, of Wagner

Francis died Saturday, April 8, 2023 at his daughter's home in Scranton, IA. Services will be 11 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Bonesteel Community Center in Bonesteel. Wake services will be 7 PM on Thursday and Friday at the Community Center. Burial is in the UCC Cemetery at Milk's Camp in St. Charles.

Francis was born at home in Milk's Camp to Phillip Garfield LeClaire and Hannah Pearl Stone Arrow. He attended grade school in St. Charles and then went to Flandreau Indian School for a year. He came back home and got his GED. He sold Grit papers and saved up to order a guitar by mail. He taught himself how to play guitar and sing. He entered into a televised contest in Naper, Nebraska and won.

He left for California and attended barber school. When he returned to Milk's Camp from California he married Geraldine Leading Fighter on March 13, 1959. They had eight children: Karen, June, Dana, Scott, Chuck, Susan, Candace and Holly. They had lived in Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Mitchell and then settled in Bonesteel to raise their family.

Francis held many positions of employment to support his family, including: welder, Deputy in Gregory County, Legal Board member, Marty Indian School Board member and Housing Authority Board member.

He provided care for grandchildren as needed. As children he took us all to area revivals, bible studies and church. Francis enjoyed playing guitar, singing, visiting, traveling, playing bingo and going to the casino. He loved listening to his music and joking with people.

Francis spent his last years in Sioux Falls before he returned to Wagner. He was in Miller Good Samaritan Home when he became ill. He passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Iowa with family at his side.

Francis is preceeded in death by his parents Phillip and Hannah; his siblings: Katherine Rainwater, Ruby Thornton, Phillip LeClaire Jr, Nathan LeClaire, Rachel Lone Hill and Genevieve LaMotte; sons: Dana and Scott LeClaire.

He is survived by children: Karen LeClaire, June Ballard, Chuck LeClaire, Susan Center, Candace LeClaire and Holly LeClaire. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and a multitude of relatives and friends.

Francis will be greatly missed by many.