Carlton Eugene Leikvold was born on June 4, 1926 in the house of the farm where he lived his whole life. His parents were Olvin G. Leikvold and Helen (Helsa) Leikvold. Carlton was united in marriage on January 28, 1961 to Deanna (Anderson) Leikvold. Two sons were born to this union: Karl (wife Robin, daughters, Kelsie and Sophia) and Kurt (wife Diane, sons, Christopher and Michael). He has one dear sister, Betty (Leikvold) Nelson (daughters Diane, Gwen, Susan and Cindy). Carlton graduated form Vermillion High School in 1943. He was drafted into the US Navy during WWII in 1945 with special assignment to Corpus Christi, Texas as Seaman First Class in the Radar Technician Program. After serving his country, he returned home to the farm. He attended the University of South Dakota (USD) from 1956 to 1959 and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, Majoring in Physics and Mathematics. By August of 1960, he also completed a Masters degree in Physics at USD. He continued his education at Kansas State University, Colorado University and Colorado State University to complete all but his dissertation for a doctorate in Physics. In addition, he attended Luther Theological Seminary in 1961. In May 1962, he returned to the farm where he was born, to continue a family tradition. In addition to farming, he became a Professor of Physics at Yankton College until 1976. With a desire to spend more time with his family, he left teaching and began a career at Clay County Farm Mutual Wind Insurance Co. where he held roles including Secretary, President and Director. In addition to these career activities, Carlton also served 16 years on the Wakonda School Board; he held various church leadership positions and various leadership positions for Clay County and South Dakota Farm Bureau. He was one of the original directors for the Southeast SD Experimental Farm Board and served on the Board of Directors for Community First Bank. Carlton's passions in life were God, family, the land and providing for others. He enjoyed horseshoe, music, gardening and a talent for amazing wood crafting. Visitation will be held at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church, Beresford, SD on Tuesday, April 17th from 2-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM and a prayer service at 7PM. The funeral will be at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church on Wednesday at 10AM.