Leonard Joseph Bettelyoun, known to many as “Joe,” was born on December 1, 1967, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and passed away on January 31, 2026, in Spearfish, South Dakota, surrounded by loved ones.

Joe fought cancer courageously for five years, meeting each day with strength, grit, and a quiet determination that inspired all who knew him.

Joe was a simple man, proud of it. His loyalty to family, friends, and work never wavered, and he was a gentleman to a fault—steady, dependable, and kind in ways that never sought the spotlight.

He achieved much in his life, excelling as a star athlete in high school and college, where track and field was his specialty and he soared as a 7-foot high jumper, earning awards, trophies, and records that reflected his dedication and competitive spirit.

Joe was also dedicated to his work, spending 33 years with Donovan Construction, where he built more than structures—he built respect, friendships, and a legacy of hard work and integrity.

As an adult, Joe’s true love was adventure. He spent his time hunting, fishing, and camping, making lifelong friends from Wyoming to Madison, South Dakota, and everywhere in between. He loved a big campfire, the outdoors, and making sure everyone felt cared for—often with a Coors Light in hand, breakfast sizzling on the griddle, and a colored light glowing nearby. And if there was a campfire, you could bet Johnny Cash was playing, because nothing paired with his fire better than those tunes.

Joe was a man who never sat, always standing with a Coors Light in hand. He blamed it on being the youngest and only boy of four sisters, only six chairs in the house, and always left standing. A true gentleman, he carried that humor and generosity throughout his life, always making sure everyone got a seat at the campfire before he did.

Joe had been a bachelor all of his life, and when anyone asked if he’d ever get married, he’d grin and say, “When hell freezes over.” That moment came in 2009, when he reconnected with Teresa. Together they built a life full of love and laughter, eventually marrying and making Joe a devoted husband, dad, and papa.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; his bonus children, Sydney, Danny, and Alexandria; his grandchildren, Sawyer, Chloe, and a granddaughter due in July 2026; his mother, Maxine; his sisters, Cindy (Kenny), Chris (Tim), Kim, and Linda; and his very special bond with his uncle Jr, aunt Shawnna, cousin Chad Sr, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald “Buzz” Bettelyoun; his mother, Ida Merrill; his niece, Alicia Madsen Albers; and his great-nephew, Jasiha Fisher.

A huge thank-you goes to all of Joe’s doctors, surgeons, nurses, infusion nurses, front desk staff, Monument Health, Mayo Clinic, and hospice. Each of you took such special care of him, right to the very end, focusing on comfort, love, and dignity—not a cure.

Joe was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. His warmth, loyalty, adventurous spirit, and the light he brought to every gathering—whether by a campfire, a breakfast skillet, or a colored light—will live on in the hearts of all who knew him… and somewhere, he’s already lighting the biggest campfire, pouring a Coors Light, cranking Johnny Cash, and making sure everyone has a colored light of their own.

How we will miss you, Joe.

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, February 7th, at the Joy Center at Black Hills State University, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Cremation arrangements were under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com