Leonard Elving was born February 2, 1946 in Hawarden, Iowa to Oscar and Helen (Hodgson) Elving. He died October 7, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lennox, South Dakota at the age of 75 years.

Leonard was raised in Alcester, SD where he attended Alcester Public Schools, graduating in 1964. In February 1966 Lenny joined the US Air Force where he was trained as an aircraft mechanic and served as a crew chief on C-130 transport aircraft. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and attended Southeast Area Technical School in Sioux Falls for air frame and structural training. In 1971, Lenny joined the US Civil Service and again worked on C-130 aircraft for the Air Force.

After sustaining serious injury in an automobile accident in 1973, Lenny had to retire from his employment from the Civil Service; he has lived in the Alcester and Sioux Falls area since that time.

He enjoyed drag racing with his brother, Bruce at Thunder Valley. Lenny also enjoyed playing dominoes and cards and visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee. He liked watching football and NASCAR races. He started attending AA meetings in 1990 and was a faithful participant. Lenny enjoyed the comradery with other members. He was helpful to many people and touched their lives in a positive way. Lenny continued attending meetings and was a very supportive member until the Covid pandemic hit.

From August 2018 until the present Lenny was a resident at Good Samaritan in Lennox. During this time, he continued to inspire and touch the lives of the residents and staff, always cheerful and upbeat.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara Madsen of Anthon, IA; his brother, Bruce Elving and his wife, Darlene Dreeszen, of Sioux Falls; and his nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. His parents, sister, Mabel Meister; brother, John Elving; and brothers-in-law, Al Clark, Arnold Meister, and Larry Madsen preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Leonard will be 2PM Monday, October 11, 2021 at Alcester Baptist Church in Alcester. Burial with military honors will be 4PM at Big Springs Cemetery, rural Alcester. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.