Leslie Schmeichel

Leslie Schmeichel, age 43, of Brookings, SD, formerly of Milbank, SD, passed away  on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at his home with his family by his side.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior the service at the church on Monday. Pastor Justin Neugebauer will officiate, and inurnment will be at a later date. 

Leslie Walter Schmeichel was born on July 19, 1978, in Milbank, SD, to Richard and Linda (Heuer) Schmeichel. He attended South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen, SD, from September 1981 to May 1990. He moved to the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield, SD, from May 1990 to March 1993. After living there, he moved to a Youth Services Home in Brookings, SD, to be closer to his family. He started with Advance and lived in several different homes throughout the years while attending grade school and high school in Brookings.

Leslie had a great love for music of all varieties. He also liked the noise of motorcycles and enjoyed riding in the sidecar. Leslie also enjoyed going to movies, concerts, waterparks, car and van rides, boating, and he truly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and staff.  

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Richard and Linda (Heuer) Schmeichel of Milbank, SD; sister, Amanda (Mike) Steckelberg of Aberdeen, SD; brother, Joshua (Kari) Schmeichel of Milbank, SD; nieces: Hailee Steckelberg and Audrey Schmeichel; nephews: Jayden Steckelberg, Harvey Schmeichel, and Lawson Steckelberg; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; along with his many friends, housemates, and staff at Advance in Brookings.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Olga (Klepel) Schmeichel; his maternal grandparents, Leslie and Betty (Kelly) Heuer.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Schmeichel family as they set up a scholarship fund, in conjunction with Advance in Brookings, for students entering the field of special education.