Paul A. Leitner

Paul A. Leitner age 91 of Belle Fourche, died Thursday December 11, 2008 at the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care Center. The funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Monday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held in the Pine Slope Cemetery, in Belle Fourche. Arrangements are with Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Paul A. Leitner was born June 29, 1917 in Crook County, Wyoming. He was the son of Louis and Katherine Leitner. Paul grew up on the family ranch in Crook County, Wyoming and attended country school. Following his schooling he worked for farmers and ranchers in the tri-state area. On May 10, 1940 Paul was married to Helen Jarvi in Newcastle, WY. Shortly after their marriage, during World War II, Paul served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1941 to 1945. During this time he served in the Pacific Theatre as a Crew Chief on a C-54 cargo plane, mainly between California and Hawaii. Following his discharge Paul and Helen moved to Belle Fourche where he later purchased a ranch north of town. Paul and Helen ranched for many years together. In 2005, Helen died. For the past several years, Paul has resided at the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care Center. Paul is survived by his grandson, Todd (Kelly) Leitner of Belle Fourche and their daughter, Brenna. He is also survived by his brother, Louis (Eunice) Leitner of Belle Fourche; sister-in-laws, Alvera of Belle Fourche, and Letha of Spotted Horse, Texas; and nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Richard Leitner in 1988; brothers, Sam, Hans, Adolph, Andy; and sister, Louise Sorenson. May God bless the memory of Paul A. Leitner.