Leon Thompson, 79, of Beresford passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 30, 2017 surrounded by family. Leon was born July 2, 1938 to Herman and Frances (Meyer) Thompson in the family farm home near Beresford. He attended Silverlake Rural School and then worked on the family farm and for neighbors.

He married Betty Thornton on August 5, 1959 in Sioux Falls. Leon and Betty moved to the family farm in 1959. They had four children: Lynda, David, John and Susie. Leon loved farming and farmed until his retirement in 2011. In 2004, Leon and Betty moved to Beresford.

He attended auctioneer school in 1982 in Mason City, Iowa. Auctioneering was his love and passion. He enjoyed every auction, the personal stories and the people he met along the way. He retired in 2008. He also enjoyed announcing tractor pulls throughout the area. Leon was a lifetime member of Romsdal Lutheran Church. He was on the Farmers Coop elevator board for 20 years. He served on the Romsdal cemetery board. He adored each and every one of his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their activities.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Betty of 58 years; daughter, Lynda Thompson, Sioux Falls; son, John (Jackie) Thompson, Beresford; daughter, Susie (Brian) Frick, Yankton, and daughter-in-law, Monica Jensen. Grandchildren: Matt Thompson, Sioux Falls; Justin Thompson, Beresford; Brandon Frick, Becky Frick, and Michael Frick, Yankton. Sister, Marion Neuroth, Beresford, and brother, Larry (Phyllis) Thompson, Beresford, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Frances; sister, Marjorie Jensen; brother, LeRoy; son, David; and granddaughter, Amanda Jensen.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm at Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Hudson on Wednesday, October 4. Visitation will be 4 - 8 pm Tuesday at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with the family present from 6 - 8 pm and a prayer service at 7 pm.