It is with heavy hearts that the community of Pierre mourns the passing of Leslie Edwin Wulf, 78, who tragically lost his life on Friday, November 14, 2025, in a single-vehicle crash east of Blunt, South Dakota.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Mr. Wulf had been traveling east on U.S. Highway 14 when his vehicle left the roadway for reasons still under investigation. The vehicle entered a ditch, struck a railroad embankment, and rolled before coming to rest on its passenger side. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the contributing factors of the crash.
While the circumstances of his passing were sudden and heartbreaking, the life Leslie Wulf lived was full, purposeful, and deeply meaningful to those who knew and loved him.
A Life Well Lived
Leslie Edwin Wulf was born November 27, 1946, in West Point, Nebraska, to Leona and Edwin Wulf. He grew up in rural Dodge County, attended local schools, and graduated from Scribner High School. From a young age, Les embodied a strong work ethic, taking his first job detasseling corn at 13 and later working at the local meat market. His involvement in FFA during his school years marked the beginning of his lifelong connection to agriculture.
After high school, Les proudly served six years in the United States Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Nantahala as a radar-endorsed electronic tech petty officer. Following his military service, he moved to California and built a successful career in sales at Sperry Univac.
Eventually, his heart led him back to agriculture. Les founded Valley Oaks Angus in Plymouth, California, where he developed a lasting passion for Angus cattle—one that became an enduring part of his life’s identity.
In 2000, Les made his home in Pierre, South Dakota, and purchased the Outpost Lodge, where he met countless friends who would become like family. In 2022, he married Barb Leesman, and together they built a loving life at the Leesman Ranch east of Blunt.
Les carried many passions—Corvettes, vintage tractors, Angus cattle, and most recently, the thrill of learning to fly his newly acquired gyrocopter. He was also a proud Shriner, always eager to help his community or lend his hands on the farm. He and Barb shared many adventures, traveling to Germany, Cancun, Colombia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arizona, and recently enjoying a memorable cruise to Alaska.
Les never met a stranger. Anyone he encountered soon became a friend—someone who might later stop by to tinker on equipment, play cards, hunt, share a meal, or simply visit. A good Christian man, he was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre and lived out his beliefs through generosity, kindness, and quiet strength.
A Loving Family Man
Leslie is survived by his devoted wife Barb; his beloved daughter Melinda and her husband Ryan Capen; and Barb’s children Raleigh (Leigh) Leesman, Angela (Michael) Bollweg, and Pamela (Marlon) Ferguson. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, his sister Sandy Pakan, Sandy’s children Jeff, Renee, and Jason, and Renee’s children Cody and Olivia. He leaves behind his aunt Louise Schulzkump, many cousins, and his extended family through Barb, including four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.
He touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and unwavering love.
Celebration of Life
Visitation:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church, Pierre
Funeral Service:
Friday, November 21, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Faith Lutheran Church, Pierre
Burial:
Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blunt, SD
The funeral service can be viewed online at:
www.isburgfuneralchapels.com
Forever in Our Hearts
Leslie Edwin Wulf leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, kindness, faith, and the ability to make anyone feel welcome. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
