Leonard Cuka, 95 of Wagner

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, SD with burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner, with family present from 2:30 to 3:30. Rosary/wake services will be 7 p.m Thursday at the church.

Leonard S. J. Cuka, son of John and Mary (Kostal) Cuka, was born May 29, 1922 on a farm near Wagner. He died Monday, September 18, 2017 at the Armour Care & Rehabilitation Center. Leonard attained the age of 95 years, three months and 21 days.

Leonard attended grade school at Lawrence Township #53 and graduated from Wagner High School. He joined the United States Army on November 6, 1942 and served during World War II until his discharge on March 16, 1946.

Leonard married Helen Stastny on June 6, 1950 at St. John Catholic Church in Wagner. Three children were blessed to their union. Together they farmed southwest of Dante. Leonard retired in 1993 and they moved into Wagner. Due to Helen's failing health, he entered the Armour Care and Rehabilitation Center on March 28, 2014.

Leonard was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, NFO, Modern Woodman and Pinochle Club.

Leonard will be remembered for his enjoyment of playing Pinochle, Scrabble, bowling, dancing and helping Helen in kitchen. He was always very proud of his Czech heritage.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Helen of Armour; sons: Mark and wife Robbin and Gerard and wife Sharon, all of Wagner; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Cuka of Wagner; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Mary Kay Thaler; and six brothers: Laddie and wife Evelyn, Carl and wife Irene, Edward, Harry, Albin and John, who died in infancy.