LeRoy Emil Veskrna was born on Sept. 25, 1944 in Burke SD the son of Emil and Agnes Veskrna (Cervenka). He attended school in Burke SD, Casper, WY and graduated from Winner High School in 1963.
LeRoy joined the South Dakota Army National Guard in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1971.
On May 17, 1969, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Elliott at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome. They lived south of Colome for three years before moving into town. They were blessed with two children; LeRoy Emil Veskrna Jr. born on November 21, 1973 and Penny Jo Veskrna born on June 2, 1978.
On April 27, 1989 LeRoy’s wife passed away after a long battle with cancer. After Carol’s passing, LeRoy was left with the task of raising his two children on his own; which he took on without falter.
LeRoy worked driving truck for Bob and Geo Shippy until he started working for the Tripp County Highway Department as a mechanic. LeRoy remained at this position for 37 years before retiring. During this time LeRoy also worked evenings and weekends with his father Emil as co-owner of E&L Repair on Main Street in Colome. After his father’s passing in 1992 LeRoy planned building a new shop which, with the help from many of his friends, was completed in 1996. He then became partners with Kevin Miner and Grungy Guys Sanitation was started. This venture lasted a few years before being dissolved. LeRoy spent the remainder of his years helping friends and neighbors by repairing lawn mowers and equipment in his shop. He also drove semi-truck part time for local farmers and friends.
LeRoy was very active in the Colome Community. He belonged to the Colome Volunteer Fire Department for several years. During this time he enjoyed building fire trucks and repairing the firefighting equipment. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 146 where he served as commander for two terms. He also served on the Colome City Council for several years.
The hobby LeRoy was known best for was restoring and showing antique tractors and stationary engines. Over several years he acquired a very nice collection of tractors and engines which he took great pride in showing at Steam and Gas Shows along with his family throughout South Dakota and Nebraska over several Decades.
LeRoy enjoyed camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren and would do so every chance he could get. LeRoy was liked by almost everyone he met; it was hard to find anyone who did not like him. He was very well known in the Tripp County area. LeRoy, on many occasions stated, “I have never been in a fight in my life.” He enjoyed talking to people wherever he went and was always outgoing and kind with everyone. LeRoy especially loved spending as much time as he could with his children and grandchildren. He would drop everything to help them when they needed him even if it meant he had to go without.
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