LeRoy Bieber

LeRoy Bieber, 92, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor.

A Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Schriver's Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Alton Vilhauer officiating.

A time for fellowship and refreshments will follow at Schriver's Memorial Fellowship Center.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at Schriver's Memorial Chapel with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour before the service.

LeRoy's family requests Western or casual dress.

On July 18, 2026, the family will have a "Cowboy’s Last Ride" trail ride at the ranch to a special hill where part of his ashes will be spread. Family and friends are encouraged to bring their horses, ATVs, or pickups. LeRoy’s family can accommodate anyone who needs a ride up the hill. More details will be provided later, or contact Amy Maurer for more details.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Bieber family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s Facebook following the service.

LeRoy Bieber was born on January 23, 1934, near Bowdle, South Dakota, to Arthur and Emilie (Buxcel) Bieber. He was the third of eight children. He attended country school through the eighth grade, traveling to and from school by horseback or horse-drawn buggy. LeRoy graduated from Bowdle High School in 1952.

Following high school, LeRoy remained on the family farm for four years, helping his parents before attending the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. After returning home, he joined the South Dakota National Guard and was called to active duty during the civil rights marches in the southern United States in the 1960s.

In 1961, LeRoy purchased land near Leola, South Dakota, where he began building the ranch that would become his life's work. On March 30, 1964, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Dosch. Together, they were blessed with three daughters: Theresa, Melissa, and Amy. The girls were raised on horseback, helping their dad with the ranch and spending weekends showing horses, creating many cherished family memories.

LeRoy's cattle operation focused on developing a herd of large black cattle that produced top calves, quality show prospects, and big cows. He was always working to learn more and improve both his cattle and horse operations. In the 1980s, he even raised beefalo to produce leaner beef.

LeRoy's love of horses began at a young age. His interest in showing horses started when he and his brothers joined the Selby Saddle Club, where they competed in play days and enjoyed trail rides. Over the years, LeRoy raised Paint, Quarter, and Thoroughbred horses. He traveled across the country to horse shows and sales, winning many awards in cutting, reining, and barrel racing. One of his favorite shows was the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) show in Oklahoma City, where he also competed. He loved sharing his knowledge of horses and taught many people how to ride and train.

LeRoy is survived by his daughters, Theresa (Bill Pitz) Schumacher, Melissa Bieber, Amy (Kelly) Maurer; grandchildren: Tia ( Nathan Gauer) Schumacher, Skylar Schumacher, Bailey Schumacher, Luka Schumacher, Caden Schumacher, Danny Schumacher, Evan (Jessica) Maurer, Aden Kretsch; great grandchildren Liam Langston and Delilah and their mother Ana Kyle; brother Dale (Mardella) Bieber; sister Mary Ann (Chuck) Mertes; and sisters in law Jeanne Bieber and Lois Bieber.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, on May 30, 2026; parents, Arthur “Art” and Emilie “Millie”; son-in-law, Milo Schumacher; granddaughter, Ashton Schumacher; sister, Allene Eisenbeisz; brothers: Willis, Ron, Dennis, and Terry (age 3); brother-in-law, Morris Eisenbeisz; and sister-in-law, Joanne Bieber.