Leland Bearheels

Leland Bearheels, age 84, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Monument Health in Rapid City.

Leland J "Pops" Bearheels, was born March 14, 1938 in Corn Creek, South Dakota, the oldest of three children born to Stacey and Gladys Bearheels. Leland spent his childhood in the Belvidere/Kadoka area and graduated from Belvidere High School and furthered his education at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota. He started his career as an Art and Business teacher and was a High School Principal/Coach/Athletic Director for Crazy Horse School in Wanblee, South Dakota. He also worked for the Head Start Program and was an instructor for Oglala Lakota College.

Leland met his future wife, Iris Romero, at a high school rodeo in Kadoka, South Dakota and they were married on September 7, 1957. To this union ten children were born, Jerome, Ryan, Robin, Craig, Harold, Sheldon, Jewel, Christle, De Ann, and Laurel. He was a big brother to two sisters, Jerilyn Means and Marlene Kried.

Leland is survived by his children, Jerome, Aberdeen, SD; Ryan, Kadoka, SD; Robin, Seattle, WA; Harold, Aberdeen, SD; Christle, Albuquerque, NM; De Ann, Rapid City, SD, and Laurel, Kadoka, SD; a sister, Jerilyn Means, Wanblee, SD; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris; children, Craig, Sheldon, and Jewel, his parents; a sister Marlene Kried, a granddaughter Krisene Bearheels, and numerous other relatives.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 3, at the Kadoka Bible Church.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Kadoka Bible Church with Pastor Jesse Taylor officiating.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.