Leno LeMoyne Martell, 61, of Sioux Falls passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 19, 2013 with visitation one hour prior to services at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Sioux Falls.
Leno was born October 21, 1951 in Parker, SD to parents LeMoyne and Marcene (Vietor) Martell. They moved to Sioux Falls where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. He then entered the US Army, serving for two years in Thailand. Leno married Debbie Leitheiser in Las Vegas on February 14, 1977. The couple resided in Sioux Falls where they raised their two daughters, Jill and Becky. Leno’s 40 years of service at John Morrell and Company instilled a good sense of responsibility and accountability in the girls. When he retired in 2010, he loved not having to report to work at 5:00 AM six days a week.
Leno’s favorite past time was playing the part of “Norm” most afternoons with friends at the Upper Cut. He also enjoyed watching football, hunting and fishing. Leno and Debbie loved to travel with family and friends. They enjoyed many winter vacations to the tropical climates in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Leno is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters, Jill and Becky; grandchildren, Marquis Vaughn (12) and Gianna Jackson (1 ½); father, LeMoyne (Judy) Martell; sister, Jeannie (Greg) Ammon; brother, Monte (Shirley) Martell; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Leno was preceded in death by his mother, Marcene Martell and nephew, Wyatt Ammon.