Leo O'Connor, 84, of Lake Andes

Leo died Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Funeral services are 2 PM, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marty, with military honors. He will be cremated following his funeral and inurnment will be in St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery in Marty at a later date. Wake services will be 7 PM, Friday at the YST Law Enforcement Gymnasium (Old High School Gym) in Lake Andes.

Leo John O'Connor was born to George and Bertha Williams O'Connor on the Yankton Sioux Reservation on February 23, 1938. Leo had one sister, Margaret and had many relatives, cousins, nephews, and nieces in his O'Connor family. He grew up in the White Swan School District, Charles Mix County, and South of Lake Andes, SD. He attended elementary school in Lake Andes, middle school in Pickstown, and graduated high school in Lake Andes Class of 1957. Following high school graduation Leo got his Senior Accounting degree at Aberdeen School of Commerce and then went to Colorado State University and studied Business Management and Tribal Government.

Leo was an avid athlete in his younger days, and he also spent four years in the military, two years on active duty in South Korea and two years in Ready Reserve. Leo met his sweetheart and life companion of 53 years, Blossom Brown Bear-Hubbeling. They spent many years traveling and living on different reservations. Leo spent most of his adult life serving not only his Ihanktonwan people, but every member of the Oceti Sakowin. Despite his declining health he was still sharp minded and concerned about what was going on. He always was concerned for his companion Blossom and made sure she was always taken care of. This last year Leo and Blossom spent their life together at the Good Samaritan Home. He battled gallantly but his body was tired, and he was called home. We, the Ihanktonwan people, lost a great leader.

Leo was an intelligent, kind, and compassionate man and let us remember him by his words, "My parents told me as long as you are able, you help the people." That is what he did.