Leo Pius Weber

Herreid, SD

1940, 793, Sheridan, F-24, tool house man
1941-42, 2765, Fechner, SCS-6, cook

Leo P. Weber, 95, of Aberdeen, SD passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 at his home.

Leo Pius Weber was born March 1, 1923 to John and Mary (Emmil) Weber in Stark County, ND, the fourth of ten children. He was raised on a small farm outside of Herried, SD. At the age of 17, Leo left his home and school and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program within the New Deal developed by President Roosevelt for young men to work and earn a wage during the Depression. Leo went to the Black Hills of South Dakota where he earned $30 a month, of which $25 was sent back to his family. His work in the Black Hills consisted of constructing trails and roadways in remote areas, planting trees, and firefighting.

Being part of America’s Greatest Generation, Leo joined the US Navy in June, 1942. He was assigned to the USS Montpelier, a light cruiser. The Montpelier set to sea in December, 1942. Over the next three years he earned 13 battle stars. He was aboard his ship, anchored in Okinawa, when the Japanese surrendered in August, 1945. After sailing back to the States, Leo was honorably discharged on December 10, 1945. He remained in the Naval Reserves and was recalled in 1950 during the Korean War. This time he served aboard an ammunitions ship, the USS Katmai from 1950-1951.

Following the war, Leo resumed working as a salesman at Plymouth Clothing Company on Main Street in Aberdeen. This men’s clothing store was a fixture in downtown Aberdeen for over 70 years. Leo became sole owner in 1977. When the store closed in 1985, Leo joined his friends at The Main, where he continued to sell men’s clothing until his retirement in 2002.

Leo was united in marriage to Jean Salzsiedler at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on November 5, 1953. Together they raised four children and have been lifelong residents of Aberdeen. Leo was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he was an usher for over 20 years. He was also a long-time member of the Roncalli Booster Club and the American Legion in Aberdeen. Leo enjoyed tinkering around the house, gardening, and traveling. He especially loved being a grandfather. One of his most memorable experiences was being chosen for the Honor Flight of Veterans in 2005 when he traveled to Washington, DC to see the WWII Memorial. Leo was a fan and supporter of all athletics, especially the Roncalli Cavaliers, Northern State Wolves, and his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Blessed to have shared in Leo’s life is his wife of 64 years, Jean Weber of Aberdeen; his children: Tom (Jeannie) Weber of Glendale, CA, Tim Weber of Peoria, AZ, Maribeth (Larry) Mueller of Hillsboro, ND and Terry (Teresa) Weber of Aberdeen; seven grandchildren: Riley, Darrin, Megan, Ethan, Jean Marie, Kyra and Andrew; great-grandson, Luke and great-granddaughter, Taylor; two sisters, Betty Pudwill and Marcia Weber; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and four sisters.

Do you have additional information about Leo Weber

We would like to included it. Please write or email us at History "at" SouthDakotaCCC "dot" org.