LELAND ERNEST SMITH, age 82, of Wilmont, died Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born August 18, 1943, on the family farm in Wilmont Township, to Mirl Earnest and Marinette (Yantzi) Smith. Lee attended Fulda High School until the ninth grade. He graduated from Morris Agriculture College in 1961. He served his country in the National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

Lee married Kathleen Bell on September 9, 1967, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Worthington. The couple farmed north of Wilmont. Lee was an award winning hog farmer, and raised corn, beans, cows and chickens. He also worked at Armour, in Worthington, for many years.

He was a former member of the Wilmont Presbyterian Church. He was a current member of the Iona Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed bus trips, farm sales, going to sale barns, buffets, shaking dice with friends at the Legion in Lismore, Karaoke, car shows and any opportunity to get something for free.

Lee is survived by his two daughters, Trisha (Kerry Zinnel) Smith, Wilmont; and LeeAnn (Eric) Sipress, Forest City, IA; three grandchildren, Ashlee (Jake) Buntjer, Brett (Emily Krumvieda) Steffen and Jordan (Spencer Thilges) Smith; two step grandchildren, Lizzy Sipress and Nate Sipress; four great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Emily, Braylee and Acelyn; three brothers, Ervin (LaVerena) Smith, Iona; Rich (Linda) Smith, Wilmont; and Clyde (Barb) Smith, Wilmont; and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy on November 26, 2023; two sons, Kurtis Smith in 2021; and Joshua Smith in 1981; a brother, Kenny (Helen) Smith; and a nephew, Kevin Smith.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday, Oct. 2 at Solid Rock Assembly Church in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Friday at Solid Rock Assembly Church, in Worthington, officiated by Pastor Deb Klaassen. Burial will be in the Wilmont Cemetery.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Wilmont, is in charge of arrangements.