In Cherished Remembrance of Leslie Edwin Wulf
Join us in honoring the life of Leslie Edwin Wulf, a cherished individual who will always be remembered with love. Celebrate his memory with us and le
With deep sadness, the residents of Pierre are grieving the loss of Leslie Edwin Wulf, aged 78, who sadly passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, due to a single-vehicle accident located east of Blunt, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports that Mr. Wulf was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 14 when his vehicle veered off the road for reasons that are still being investigated. The automobile entered a ditch, impacted a railroad embankment, and overturned, ultimately coming to a stop on its side. He was declared dead at the accident site. Investigations into the factors that led to the crash are ongoing.
Although the events surrounding his death were abrupt and tragic, Leslie Wulf's life was rich, intentional, and held great significance for those who loved and knew him.
A Life Well Lived
Leslie Edwin Wulf was born on November 27, 1946, in West Point, Nebraska, to parents Leona and Edwin Wulf. He spent his childhood in the rural areas of Dodge County, attended nearby schools, and graduated from Scribner High School. From an early age, Les demonstrated a diligent work ethic, starting his first job at age 13 detasseling corn and subsequently working at a local meat shop. His participation in the FFA during school signified the start of his enduring bond with agriculture.
After completing high school, Les honorably served six years in the United States Navy, stationed aboard the USS Nantahala as a radar-certified electronic technician petty officer. Upon finishing his military commitment, he relocated to California, where he thrived in a sales career at Sperry Univac.
Ultimately, his true passion pulled him back toward agriculture. Les established Valley Oaks Angus in Plymouth, California, fostering a deep love for Angus cattle that became a significant aspect of his identity.
In 2000, Les settled in Pierre, South Dakota, and acquired the Outpost Lodge, where he formed numerous friendships that felt like family. In 2022, he married Barb Leesman, and together they created a warm life at the Leesman Ranch situated east of Blunt.
Les had diverse interests, including Corvettes, classic tractors, Angus cattle, and more recently, the excitement of learning how to fly his newly obtained gyrocopter. He was also a dedicated Shriner, always enthusiastic about serving his community and assisting on the farm. Together with Barb, he embarked on many adventures, visiting Germany, Cancun, Colombia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arizona, and recently delighting in a memorable cruise to Alaska.
Les never met a stranger. Anyone he came across quickly became a friend—someone who might later drop by to work on machinery, play cards, go hunting, share a meal, or just have a chat. A devoted Christian, he was a committed member of Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, embodying his beliefs through generosity, compassion, and quiet resilience.
