Obituary of Leonard Roy Christensen

Christensen Leonard

Leonard Roy Christensen, 71, of Yankton, passed away peacefully on April 7^th, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, at Avera Sister James Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16^th, at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton, with Rev. Michael Jordan officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior.

Born in Yankton on January 13^th, 1954, to Roy and Vlasta Christensen, Leonard lived a life rooted in service, compassion and love. His most enduring friendship began in kindergarten with Steve Obr. From the sandbox to their final goodbyes, their bond was unbreakable—a testament to decades of shared laughter, challenges, and unwavering loyalty. Steve was more than a friend; he was family and godfather to Leonard’s children, James and Crystal.

Leonard was a devoted husband to Kathy, whom he married on Valentine’s Day in 1985. He never missed an anniversary without calling a radio station to play “Your Song” by Elton John—just one of the many ways he showed his deep, romantic spirit. As a father to James and Crystal, Leonard was a constant source of love, humor, and quiet strength. He shaped their lives with his guidance and support, and even as health issues arose later in life, he remained their rock.

His warmth extended beyond his immediate family. Known affectionately as a second dad to James’s friends—T.J., Travis, and Andrew, "The Basement Crew"—Leonard created a safe haven in the family basement where everyone was welcomed with laughter and kindness.

Leonard proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1975 during the Vietnam War as a Petty Officer Third Class aboard the U.S.S. Constellation. He received the Domain of Neptunus Rex after crossing the equator en route to Singapore in 1973 and was honorably discharged in 1976. He later joined the S.D. National Guard, rising to Staff Sergeant in Battery C, earning the Sergeant Major’s Award for Soldier of the Year in 1988. He retired from the S.D. National Guard in 1998.

Leonard also served his community through his work with the Yankton Street Department from 1986 to 2013. He was an active member of the local A.A. chapter from 1997 until his health declined, remaining an honorary member through the end of his life. A proud member of the VFW Post 791, where he once served as Commander, Leonard was known for his deep patriotism and leadership.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy; his children, James, Crystal, Mandy, and P.J.; daughter-in-law, Ally Christensen; son-in-law, Lincoln Brannick; and grandson, Rowan Christensen. He will be dearly missed by the entire Kleinschmidt family—Jerry and (Sharon), Doug, Shelia, Sherry and Geraldine along with his best friend, Steve Obr, and the entire Obr family—Steve and Luette, Nathen, Stephanie, Miranda, Shawn, and Jake—who were like family to him. Also mourning his loss are Ginnie Wurtz, Brian Wurtz, Samantha Solem, Kevin Christensen, Steven Jorgensen, Rosalie Turk, Tom Graham, Bob Austemore, and his many friends and co-workers from the Yankton Street Department and the S.D. National Guard, fondly remembered as “The Weekend Warriors.”

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Kleinschmidt, and his parents, Roy and Vlasta Christensen.

Leonard’s life was a legacy of loyalty, humor, service, and quiet resilience. But more than that, it was made up of moments—morning coffee with Kathy, long talks with Steve, laughter echoing from the basement, and the joy of watching his kids grow into people he was deeply proud of. It was the small things—his wit, his warmth, his way of making people feel at home—that truly defined him. He showed those around him what it meant to be steady in a storm, to love with his whole heart, and to live each day with quiet purpose. His presence was a gift, and the memories made with him will be carried forward in the stories, smiles, and hearts of all who knew and loved him.