Archived Services

Deacon Leon Joseph Cantin
03-14-2024

Leon Joseph Cantin, 83, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on March 14, 2024. He was born on November 2, 1940, on the family farm in Jefferson, SD to Leo and Mabel Cantin. He was united in marriage to Judy Janssen on December 26,1964 in Crofton, NE.

Leon attended Saint Peter Catholic School and Jefferson High School in Jefferson, SD. He received his B.A. from Yankton College in 1962, his M.A. from the University of South Dakota in 1967, and M.A.P.M. from Mount Marty College in 1999.

In his career, Leon made a significant impact as a Teacher and Coach at Yankton High School, an Assistant Professor at Yankton College, a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chief of Police in Yankton, a Department Head and Assistant Baseball Coach at Mount Marty College, and a Deacon at Saint Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton and Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.

Leon loved baseball, both cheering and coaching. He was a fanatical and devoted fan of the Minnesota Twins. Leon managed the Yankton Lakers to the SD Amateur Baseball Championship in 1969 and was an Assistant Baseball Coach at Mount Marty College. Leon took great pride in supporting his grandchildren in all their activities, and was their most enthusiastic fan.

Leon was a beloved husband to and is survived by Judy, and a cherished father to John (Michelle) Cantin of Leavenworth, KS, Amy (Chad) Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Susan (Delton) Witte of Brandon SD. Leon was also a proud grandfather to Noah (Sydney), and Jack Cantin, Alexandra and Bennett Anderson, Delvoun, Dveyoun, Robert (Bobby), and Gideon Witte. He is also survived by his brothers Rodney, Mike, and Steve (Debbie) Cantin, and his sister Mary (Bernard) Garner. Leon was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mabel Cantin.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM Monday, March 18, at Christ the King Catholic Church with a Scripture Vigil at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday March 19 at Christ the King Catholic Church.