Leonard Raad, 84, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at his home in Spearfish, SD.

Leonard Mervin Raad was born on November 23, 1940, on the family farm north of Howard, SD just off the Norwegian gravel road. He was the fourth child of Arthur and Milda Raad's nine children. He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Howard High School in 1958. He went on to earn a degree in accounting from Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, which was the cornerstone of all of his jobs throughout his life. Leonard retired from his accounting career in 2011 from Wheeler Lumber in Whitewood, SD.

Leonard's sister, Lois, had a classmate in nursing school, Adele Shoemaker, who became the love of his life. In 1968, they bought a farm outside of Howard, SD. They remodeled the house, farmed a little but then he decided gardening suited him. In 1986, they moved to Spearfish, SD. Leonard and Adele were married for 59 years and raised three children together. Of all the roles he held in life, none brought him more joy than being a grandpa. He adored his five grandchildren, attending every recital and ball game he could. He loved taking walks, playing, and simply being with them.

Leonard's Norwegian heritage was his identity and passion. He was a talented woodworker who created pieces for his friends and family with care and love—lathe work, chip carving, hand carving, and Nordic designs filled with meaning. For over 20 years, he was active in the Sons of Norway Borgund Lodge in Rapid City, where he enjoyed both attending and teaching classes.

He is survived by his wife, Adele; children, Jill Raad, David (Melissa) Raad, and Julie (Eric) Chapman; and grandchildren, Emily Raad, Grace Raad (Parker Louks), Mandy Raad, Cody Chapman, and Amy Raad-Couture. They all have returned to live in Spearfish within the last five years. He loved having them close and getting together for Sunday dinners.

Of the original nine children, Arlene Eklund of Denver, CO, Lois Gibson of Spearfish, Elaine (Galen) Behm of DeSmet, Larry (Deborah) Raad of Brant Lake and DeWayne (Jeanice) Raad of Rapid City are still carrying on the Raad traditions along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Milda (Eidsness) Raad; sister, Donavieve, and brothers Jerome and Darrell Raad.

A service will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish, SD, on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:30 am, with a light lunch and fellowship to follow.