Leo Albert Stangle

SCENIC - Leo Stangle, 70, Scenic, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Leo Albert Stangle was born Nov. 24, 1940, in New Underwood, the son of Frank and Delphine (Jobgen) Stangle. At the age of 1, the family moved from Creston to Folsom where he started school. He later went to school at Scenic before he attended high school in New Underwood, graduating in 1959. After graduation, he attended Black Hills State College.

He was united in marriage to Rosalie Karp on June 3, 1961, in New Underwood, and to this union were born four children; Michael Leo, Richard Allen, Allen Michael, and Lori Ann. They made their home east of Rapid City. They then moved to Lakeside, where Leo taught at the Deering School while Rosalie taught at Lakeside. They later moved to New Underwood, where Leo ran the Standard Oil Bulk Truck. They then moved to Scenic, where he taught middle school at Interior for two years, and coached basketball and track. He then worked for the Scenic Township operating the road grader, and also worked in public relations for Brink Construction. During that time they also owned and operated their own ranch where they raised cattle and sheep.

In 1979, Leo began working for the Forest Service with prairie dog control. In 1981, he began his own prairie dog control operation. In 1982, they moved back to New Underwood, where he continued prairie dog control. Throughout his 30 years, he worked in Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota, controlling prairie dog populations. For the last 10 years, Leo and Rosalie spent the winters in Arizona and Texas.

Family was most important to Leo. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren throughout the years in all their activities. He also wouldn't pass up an opportunity to go golfing, and was a member of the Wall Golf Course. He enjoyed dancing, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Twins and Vikings.

Leo was a member of St. John Catholic Church in New Underwood.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Rosalie of Scenic; two sons, Michael Stangle and his wife Tanya of St. Charles, S.D., and Richard Stangle and his wife Karlene of Hermosa; a daughter, Lori Kelly and her husband Bill of Quinn; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank "Sonny" Stangle of Billsburg; a sister, Mary Ann Parsons and her husband Dean of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends

Leo was preceded in death by a son, Allen Stangle in 1999; his parents; and two brothers, John and Tom Stangle.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. rosary services Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the St. John Catholic Church in New Underwood.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the New Underwood School Gym, with Father Bill Zandri as celebrant.

Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Scenic Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

His online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome.com.