Here is my father's obituary that was published in today's Mitchell Daily Republic:
Leo F. Sibson, age 83, of Mitchell, died Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Prairie View Care Center in Woonsocket. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, February 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, at Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.
Leo Francis Sibson was born on April 8, 1928 in Mitchell, SD to Limbert and Johanna (Rankin) Sibson. He grew up in Artesian and attended Artesian country school. He later moved with his family to a farm in Mitchell in the spring of 1942. Due to his father’s ill health, he quit attending school to help on the family farm until 1950. In 1950 he entered the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1954.
On May 2, 1951 he married Dolores Gau at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2011. Starting in 1955 the couple lived on a farm near Mitchell where they raised 3 children. In 1958 he was honored to be the Outstanding Young Farmer from Mitchell Junior Chamber of Commerce. After 35 years of farming and back grounding calves they retired in 1990. Leo was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Elks, Farmers Union, and Davison County Taxpayer charter member for Dakota Proposition.
He is survived by his wife Dolores, three children: Steven (Kathy) Sibson of Mitchell, Michael (Sue) Sibson of Howard, and Lynette (Gary) Nutter of Howard. Six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Danielson of Rapid City and Margaret (Bill) Pierson of Mitchell; two brothers, Herb (Georgie) Sibson of Ft. Pierre and David (Joyce) Sibson of Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Elsie Hemmer, an infant sister Marie, brother in laws Leo Hemmer, Duane Danielson, and sister in law Lavalle Weber.
Note my father's work on Dakota Proposition that laid the ground work to the state aid formula for education which shifted costs away from property owners and to the general fund. Certainly my father would not be in peace if he was here to read the reports in today's Mitchell paper where the governor has signed legislation that will dramatically raise valuations on Ag properties and legislation that will increase property levies for the state aid formula, all so that huge sums of money can be spent on other things. (Here is a second link reporting huge spending increases.)
As today's South Dakota property owners are being saddled with higher taxes so that foreign dairies and foreign cheese makers can make more profits while putting out of business small family farms , may my dad rest in peace.
My condolonces.
Losing a parent, even if one has had time to prepare, is a difficult thing. I lost my father a little over a year ago. I still have days when I wish I could avail myself of his wisdom.
May God bless and comfort you in this time.
Posted by: LK | February 15, 2012 at 12:38 PM
May the soul of Leo, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself, embrace your grief as you continue to live without the tangible presence of your father, and mourn openly. My prayer is with you.
Posted by: Troy Jones | February 15, 2012 at 03:11 PM
Dominus vobiscum, Leo.
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,
Dominus Deus Sabaoth;
pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Posted by: larry kurtz | February 15, 2012 at 03:25 PM
Quite a man, quite a life. Sorry for your loss, Steve.
A life well lived is a true treasure, and losing such a precious jewel will always hurt. I hope you can find solace in the good and great moments.
Posted by: Tom Lawrence | February 15, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Your father sounds like a man of good civic conscience. Please accept my condolences.
Posted by: caheidelberger | February 15, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Thanks for your efforts Leo, RIP.
Posted by: Les | February 15, 2012 at 09:46 PM
Mr. Sibson, I wish your family all my best in these times, and enjoyed reading about your father. I would have liked to have met him, as he and I would have had a lot in common.
Posted by: grudznick | February 15, 2012 at 09:57 PM
My sympathies and prayers are with you during this time of loss, Steve.
Posted by: Bob Ellis | February 16, 2012 at 07:03 AM
My thoughts & prayers are with you bud!
Posted by: Davyd | February 18, 2012 at 04:40 AM