Raymond John Leibel was born December 20, 1951 at Gregory, South Dakota to Paul and Mary Rita (Determan) Leibel and he died April 17, 2011 at his daughters home in Parkston, South Dakota following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ray grew up and attended the Neuharth School before transferring to Burke in the 7th grade. He graduated from Burke High School. He was united in marriage to Deborah Traves on June 30, 1973 at Burke.

Ray was a lifelong farmer. His favorite times of the year were planting and harvesting. He truly loved the animals that he worked with. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and his grandkids.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Paul; and by his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ray is survived by his mother, Mary Rita Leibel of Burke, SD; his five children: Nicole and husband Jason Juhnke of Parkston, SD; Jennifer and husband Todd Hamilton of Huron, SD; Angela and husband Neil Shald of Stuart, NE; John and special friend Jessica Calhoon of Burke, SD; and Lexi of Burke, SD; Ten grandchildren: Cadence, Rory, Tristan, Regan, Brylee, Jaelyn, Charlie, Brandyn, Cora and Camdyn; his sister, Mary Lou and husband Tom Bohnet of Yankton, SD and his nephews: Brad Bohnet of Yankton, SD and Tim Bohnet and family of Billings, MT.

Memorials may be directed to the Avera Queen of Peace Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.