Submitted by: Dan Rich

Leon DePriest

April 14, 1933 - July 24, 2000

South Bend Tribune 7/26/2000

Leon DePriest, age 67, of Murphy Lane, South Bend, died Monday in his residence, after a two-year battle with lung cancer, with his family in attendance. He was born April 14, 1933, in Rugby, North Dakota, and lived in this area for 10 years, coming from Wisconsin. Mr. DePriest started Hollycrest Boxers in 1970 and became a successful dog handler and a breeder of boxers, even judging some dog shows. Prior to that, he worked for the city of Brookfield, WI, in the Parks and Recreation Department. He also enjoyed attending auctions, buying and restoring antique furniture.

Mr. DePriest served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and, while stationed in Kentucky, he met his wife, the former Faye Sigler, whom he married in 1954. Also surviving are three daughters, Linda DePriest of Waukesha, WI, Brenda Wolff of Franklin, WI, and Cindy Cannon of Marina, CA; one son, Richard DePriest of Waukesha, WI; eleven grandchildren, Matt, Mike, Sharon, Tina, Luke, Joe, Kayla, Andrew, Larynn, Corrine and Karleen; three great- grandchildren; seven sisters, Agnes Henkel of Sussex, WI, Irene Shjerve of Medford, OR, Clara Fettig of Fort Atkinson, WI, Marlys Brossart of Grand Lake, CO, Fern DePriest of Menomonee Falls, WI, Elda Nierma of Hamilton, MT, and Ruby Ann Sakelaris of Pocatello, ID; two brothers, Lloyd DePriest of Missoula, MT, and Lester DePriest of Canton, OH; and by many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burd and Cora DePriest; and two brothers, Lyle and Leonard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or The American Cancer Society, 535 W. Edison Road, Unit #6, Mishawaka, IN 46545. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in West Bend Cemetery, West Bend, WI. St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, is handling arrangements. The family will have a celebration of his life Friday afternoon at his residence.