Leslie Hernes

Reverend Leslie Ordien Hernes, 94, died Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Leslie was born June 30, 1931 to Alfred and Gladys Hernes in Naples, SD.  He was the oldest of seven brothers.  He attended school in Naples until he was 14, when the family moved to Canton, SD so the boys could attend Augustana Academy (graduating in 1949).  Following high school, he attended Lutheran Bible Institute, graduating in 1951.  He then attended Augustana College for one year before being drafted into the Army in 1952.  After serving his two years in the Army, he resumed his studies at Augustana, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1958.

After Augustana College he attended Luther Theological Seminary.  He completed his internship at American Lutheran Church in Winifred, Montana in 1962.  On May 26, 1963 he was ordained with his brother Joel at Canton Lutheran Church.  He was called to pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He then served Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church in rural Wakonda, SD.  After leaving Pleasant Valley, he continued his education at University of South Dakota, receiving a master’s degree in mathematics.  He worked as a carpenter, a profession he truly enjoyed, for a few years before being called back to the ministry.  He served the congregations of Bethlehem and Skudesnes Lutheran Churches in Pierpont, SD; followed by Immanuel and Brule Creek Lutheran Churches in Elk Point, SD. Leslie retired from the parish ministry 1996.

Leslie married Wanda Anderson on July 6, 1963.  They had two children, Karen and Eric.

Throughout his life, Leslie always enjoyed wood working and carpentry.  He worked with his father building or remodeling several houses.  He made improvements to every home he lived in. He built two houses for his family, including his and Wanda’s retirement home in Canton.  In retirement, he enjoyed being involved in Sons of Norway, singing in the Grieg Chorus and creating in his workshop. Among his favorite workshop crafts were scroll sawing ornate clocks, turning bowls on the lathe, and carving wooden chains (a technique he learned from his Dad).

In 1999, he had a mild heart attack, from which he quickly recovered.  This led to his passion for bicycling.  He rode tens of thousands of miles over the next 25 years. In recent years he was averaging over 3000 miles a year and rode up until his stroke in July of 2025.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter Karen (Dave) Otto; son Eric (Suzie) Hernes; grandchildren - Elisabeth (Ethan), Jacob (Kayla), Caleb, Quintin and Spencer; great-grandson, Graham; four brothers - Joel (Sonja), Selmer (Jan), Paul, and Burnette (Cheryl), as well as many nieces and nephews.  Joyfully greeting him in his heavenly home are his wife, Wanda; parents, Alfred and Gladys, parents-in-law Melvin and Henrietta Anderson; brothers, Arvin and David; in-laws, Betty Hernes, Arla Mae Hernes, Kathy Hernes, Russ and Phyllis Anderson, Dee and Bud Nelson; nephew Charles Anderson and niece Ruth Hernes; along with numerous friends. 

The family kindly asks that memorials be directed in Leslie's honor to Augustana University, Lutherans Outdoors of South Dakota, or a charity of your choosing.

Funeral services will take place at Canton Lutheran Church, 124 East 2nd Street, Canton, SD 57013, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.

Family will be present for visitation at Heritage Funeral Home on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. 

To watch the service virtually please use the link listed below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87667274216