Kenneth Edward Leischner, 85, went to his heavenly home Saturday, December 6, 2025 under Avera Hospice Care at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 15 at 10:30 am at Parkston Congregational Church. Visitation will be Sunday, December 14 from 5 to 7 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, at Parkston Congregational Church.

Kenneth Edward Leischner was born on March 27, 1940, on the family farm near Parkston, to Richard and Ida (Wuertzer) Leischner. He attended Klum District School until the 8th grade and graduated from Parkston High School in 1959. He served in the South Dakota National Guard for 9 years. He married Phyllis Walz on September 2, 1978, and became the proud stepfather to Gordon and Glenn Walz. Ken farmed the family farm until his retirement and served on the Milltown Township board. He was a lifetime member of the Parkston Congregational Church, where he served on the church board and served as an usher. Ken was a man who was both kind and generous and loved his family dearly. His family was his pride and joy. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife; sister, Elaine (Jerry) Tiede of Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Debra Walz of Mitchell; stepson, Glenn (Elissa) Walz of Mitchell; 4 grandchildren: Dillon Walz, Hailey (Aaron) Johnson, Olivia Walz, and Madison Walz; two great-grandchildren, Charlee and Nora Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Gordon Walz.