Mass of Christian Burial for Michael Patrick Leonard, age 42, of Mobridge will be at 11 AM , Saturday, April 12, 2014 at St. Joseph 's Catholic Church in Mobridge. Burial will be at 1:30 PM MT April 16, 2014 at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A Rosary service will be held at 7:30 PM Friday night at the church. Michael passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Ft. Meade Medical Center in Sturgis.

Michael Patrick Leonard, in Mobridge, SD, who died April 3, 2014 at age 42, was a voice of conscience for those who knew him and a modern-day apostle for his church. To both roles he brought an apologist's intellect, a pilgrim's spiritual intensity, and a wise man's humility. That combination made him one of the most beautiful Christian examples known to us in this modern age.

Michael was born in Detroit, MI, on March, 05, 1972, to Robert and Ann Leonard. Michael had a fervent passion for the Lord and his Catholic faith; He spent many hours each day in contemplative prayer, unceasing catechesis studies, always learning more about the Catholic Church doctrine and early church fathers. He was an avid supporter of right to life organizations and wrote notable testimonials to legislators  and was a Pro-Life Warrior. He was a catechism teacher and served his fifth and sixth grade classes with vibrant joy and enthusiasm. His inexhaustible service to everyone, including those in our community and at the senior center and church will never be forgotten.

At Saint Joseph Catholic church in Mobridge SD He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree, he was always excited to serve his brother Knights. He was an Altar Server and considered by most parishioners to be a beautiful example of reverence. He was also a choir member and we will all remember his wonderful tenor voice. He will also be greatly missed at his Friday morning Catholic men's group.

Michael graduated from Fraser High School in 1989. In 1990, he enlisted in the United States Air force, soon after basic training he was transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base in Ellsworth, SD. Later, he served in South Korea as a Special Ops Supply Journeyman where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and Presidential Honors. Later, he served in Oahe HI, US before his retirement discharge with honors.

Later, Michael began studies in Psychology at Macomb Community College in Macomb Township, MI and earned a degree at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.

Family and the church always came first in his life attending all of their needs. Michael was also an avid sports fan from Opening Day to the playoffs watching Detroit Tiger baseball. He also loved to watch the University of Michigan football games. He could tell you any historical stats and facts about the games and players. He enjoyed many years as an athlete himself playing baseball, football and ran track. For many years, his life, ministry to others and work reflected personal trial and much suffering. An athletic and energetic young man before he became ill, he gradually lost his ability to run and walk, to stand and to express himself clearly—the result of brain cancer. By the time he was 40, Stephanie routinely aided him in his everyday needs and reading for him.  Yet he rejected any notion of losing his independence and pushed himself to the limits of his declining physical and mental capabilities, convinced that such suffering was a form of spiritual leadership and an opportunity for spiritual growth. He understood it's redemptive value and bore his cross with love and dignity.

He is survived by his most beloved and best friend Stephanie Monica Lynn "Puntindoodle" of Mobridge, SD, His loving Father- in –Law, Everette West of VA. His parents, Robert and Ann Leonard, brothers, Bob Leonard and Richard Leonard a sister, Janice Reynolds and 4 nephews and 2 nieces of MI and 5 nephews and 2 nieces of VA. He left behind family and friends who loved and admired him for being a wonderful husband, beautiful son, cherished brother, loving uncle, respected teacher, beloved in-law and faithful friend. He was preceded in death by his Papa and dearest friend Chris Dolecheck & his wife Eileen Dolecheck of SD. His grandparents of Michigan.

Family and serving God was his greatest joy. He prayed everywhere he went—morning, noon and night—and recommended prayer as the first and basic Christian response to everything. On the morning of and up to his last breath he prayed while in the arms of Stephanie as together they sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Those closest to him said the key from which he drew his energy to persevere was his deep spiritual life. Beyond the mark he leaves as a beacon towards the institutional church, Michael will no doubt be remembered by many as a very human frailty elevated by grace and honor.

Visitation will start after 5:30 PM Mass at 7:00 PM,  Friday on April 11, 2014 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church 220 6th St W Mobridge SD 57601 Then a rosary vigil led by Sister Agnes and prayer service at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial for Michael Patrick Leonard will be concelebrated by Father John Short, Father John Lule, and Father Bill Hamak at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge South Dakota. Saturday on April 12th, 2014. At 11:00 AM. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard will be in procession. Following Mass, the full military honors and presentation of flag ceremony; there will be a luncheon provided by the the Saint Joseph Altar Society in the parish dining room. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge will be conducting burial arrangements. Rite of Committal ceremony at the graveside with Father Bill Zandri will be on April 16 , 2014  at 1:30 PM MT at the Black Hills National Cemetery located at 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr, SD 57785 including, the colors flag production, full military honors and singing. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Father John Lule  for Ugandan Missions 608 Cleveland Rapid City SD 57701. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge SD for Masses and Saint Peregrine Cancer Shrine at Christ the King Catholic Church 1551 E. Dana Avenue Mesa, AZ 85204 (480) 844-4493 or online at www.cancershrine.org .

Stephanie would like to thank everyone with her whole heart for their kind words, gifts, masses, flowers, and prayers.