Leon Somsen

Leon Somsen, age 63, of Yankton, South Dakota died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton with Reverend Jeff Otterman officiating.  Lunch and refreshments will be held at Ben’s Brew Station following the service.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, on Sunday, December 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church with a prayer service and time of sharing at 5:00 PM.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Leon was born October 20, 1960 in Watertown, South Dakota to Harold and Phyllis (Bleeker) Somsen.  He grew up on a dairy farm near Castlewood, SD and graduated from Castlewood High School in 1978.  Leon then attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business.  After graduation, he worked at Production Credit Association in Yankton which later became Farm Credit.  In 1996, he and Dave Hubbs began Somsen-Hubbs Agency where they provided crop insurance for many farmers.  Five years later, he began his own company called Somsen Agency. Leon sold his business in 2019 and continued to help in the operation until he retired in 2022.

On June 8, 2013, Leon married Susan Kneifl and shared over ten years together.  Leon has three children Jade, Cole, and Jackson from the union of his first marriage to Connie Hull.

He and Susan always enjoyed going to the cabin and spending time with family and friends.  Leon had a passion for hunting and fishing and went on countless trips with his hunting buddies and brothers.  He loved being outdoors, enjoying the peacefulness of nature.   Leon was always willing to help or fix anything for anyone.  He loved tinkering around in his garage.  Leon also loved coffee and you never saw him without a cup in his hand and a thermos in the truck for backup.  He was an avid Jackrabbits, Minnesota Twins, and Vikings fan and enjoyed watching their games.  Wearing tied shoes was not Leon’s style – actually, he never really had a “style” unless it included camo cargo shorts.  Leon was so down to earth, very generous, and maybe a little stubborn.  He truly will be missed by many.

Leon is survived by his wife, Susan Somsen of Yankton; three children: Jade (Bo) Bruckner of Yankton, Cole Somsen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jackson Somsen of Delray Beach, FL; two step daughters: Amanda (Brad) Bass of Papillion, NE and Ashley (Troy) Hayes of Palmyra, NE; two grandchildren: Blake and Peyton Bruckner; four step grandchildren: Cohen and Mia Bass, Emma and Madelynn Hayes; six siblings: Lowell (Karen) Somsen of Pierre, SD, Dan (Barb) Somsen of Yankton, Larry (Marlene) Somsen of De Smet, SD, Laura (Brad) Bass of Sioux Falls, Jerry (Kari) Somsen of Webster, SD and Russell (Chelle) Somsen of Pierre, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and a great niece, Emma Zubke.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer charitable donations which will be decided upon at a later day.