Leon Duane Holthus 80, of Custer, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2007 at the Custer Regional Hospital.

A memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 13, 2007 at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Leon's name to benefit the Custer Hospice House and the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church with Pastor David Van Kley, Pastor Kevin Narum and Pastor Chuck Hazlett officiating.
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Leon Holthus was one of twins born May 2, 1927 at Hamill, SD, to Henry and Dorothy (Schmidt) Holthus. He grew up in the Hamill area. In 1959 he and his twin brother Leonard moved to the Woonsocket area where they farmed until 1970. They then moved to the Pringle area where they worked at the Evan's Post Yard and fought forest fires. In 1986 they moved to Custer and worked for the Forest Service. His twin brother, Leonard, died of cancer in July 2001. Leon was a long time member of the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and helping young people learn the basics of safe and responsible hunting.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry in 1968; mother, Dorothy in 1992; oldest brother, Donald in 1993; twin brother, Leonard in 2001; and younger brother, Alvin (Jake) in 2006.

Leon is survived by sister, Viola (Byron) Eldridge of Colome, SD; sister-in-law, Bernice Holthus of Winner, SD; nephews, John Holthus of NV, Reverend James Holthus of MN, David Holthus of Woonsocket, SD; Dennis Holthus of Hamill, SD; Bruce (Susan) Eldridge of Chamberlain, SD; nieces, Judy Eldridge-Tomes of Sioux Falls, SD; Diana (Emiel) Swanson of Pukwana, SD; Crystal (Dusty) Needham of Winner; DeEtta (Wayne) Mathisen of CO; five great nephews, three great nieces and many friends and other relatives.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.