Leonard Jost, 97, of Glendale, Ariz.

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Leonard M. Jost, 97, of Glendale, Ariz., formerly from the Huron area, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the Phoenix Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held at a later date.
Leonard Milton Alvain Jost was born October 30, 1921, to George and Susan (Theis) Jost of Wessington Springs. He grew up on a farm in Jerauld County with his parents; brothers, Gilbert and Walter; and sister, Florence. He attended Wessington Springs High School. On December 25, 1944, Leonard married Lillian Christena Lehr in Alpena. Together they made their first home on a farm in Beadle County.
After five years, they moved to Huron where for 10 years they operated the Deep Rock Truck Stop and Silver Diner located on old Highway 14 West. During this time, they were blessed with a son, Ronald, and three daughters, Judy, Sandra and Linda. Leonard then worked as a night foreman for All-American Freight Co. for two years and Armour Packing Co. on the hog line and steam-cleaning trailers. The next 18 years, he operated heavy equipment for Distribution Construction Co., which installed and repaired natural gas lines. Finally, during semi-retirement, he worked as a gardener at a private residence in Huron.
In 1980, Leonard and Lillian moved to Cavour and then in 1987, retired to Glendale, Ariz. living with their oldest daughter, Judy. Here they continued their passions, Lillian cooking and baking, and Leonard caring for the yard and pool. As time passed and their health began to decline, Judy became their much-appreciated caregiver.
Leonard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Huron and several job-related unions. Leonard’s earlier life enjoyments were hunting, fishing, and gardening. In his later years, an occasional trip to the casino, playing the lottery and watching sports games was entertaining. Just recently, he was able to enjoy his flowers blooming, making a batch of his own recipe of strawberry jelly, and winning at a Canasta card game (a four-generation tradition).
Leonard will always lovingly be remembered for his ability to recall and his love to tell stories of “the good old days.” He was also very interested in his ancestry and shared that with the family. In fun, he was nicknamed “the Miracle Man” by his family, because of his longevity, his younger appearance, and his general health toughness.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his children, Ron Jost of Albuquerque, N.M., Judy Jost of Glendale, Ariz., Sandy (Randy) Eden of Alpena, and Linda Gullekson of Traverse City, Mich.; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Luella Sweany of Lincoln, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his wife, Lillian in 2010; daughter-in-law, Ruthann Jost; son-in-law, Don Gullekson; and grandson, Kevin Jost.
Condolences may be sent to: Judy Jost, 7722 N. 47th Drive, Glendale, AZ  85301.
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