Leonard "Lenny" Veneklasen Rapid City, SD (Formerly of Estelline) Leonard "Lenny" Veneklasen, 70, left this world peacefully in his home on July 20, 2015, after a four-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded with love by those he held most dear. Lenny was born September 4, 1944, in Estelline, South Dakota. The youngest of three children born to Clarence and Leona (Hooker) Veneklasen, he received his education and graduated from Estelline High School in 1962. Upon graduation, Lenny joined the Air National Guard of South Dakota and faithfully served for six years before earning an Honorable Discharge in 1971. During this time, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Ahlers) Veneklasen. They were united in marriage on December 28, 1968. Lenny and Betty established their home in Estelline, where they raised two children. Lenny worked for the Estelline Community Oil (Coop) for several years before joining the South Dakota Highway Patrol in 1973. Stationed in Canton, SD, he remained with the Highway Patrol for the next six years. Following his departure from the Highway Patrol in 1979, Lenny and his family returned to Estelline and he resumed employment with the Coop. After a total of thirty-three years with the Coop, Lenny began employment with the Hamlin County Highway Department. Lenny and Betty moved to Rapid City, SD, in 2008, to remain close to the grandchildren he treasured so dearly. He was employed with Wellspring Inc. as a transportation specialist approximately four years before making the decision to retire. Upon retirement, Lenny was employed part-time with the sanitation department for the City of Rapid City for the next three years. Lenny always enjoyed the fellowship with others at early morning coffee. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, and camping. In his younger years, Lenny enjoyed playing baseball and softball, bowling, and racing both stock and sprint cars. Racing continued to be a part of Lenny's life, as spectator rather than driver. Survivors include Betty, his wife of forty-six years; one son, Kelly and his wife Michelle; three grandchildren, Joslyn, Brensen, and Aspen; two sisters, Charlotte (Norm) Zafft and Sharon (Gordon) Ribstein, and many relatives and friends. Lenny was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Scott; and one niece, Jeanne (Zafft) Collins. Visitation will be held at Geise Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be at the Estelline High School gymnasium on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. At Lenny's request, in lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.