Peter “Pete” Lesnar

Peter “Pete” Lesnar, 83, of Roslyn died Tues., May 12 at the Stand-Kjorsvig Home, Roslyn.

Peter “Pete” Lesnar of Bristol, SD was born in Waubay on June 29, 1942 to John & Esther (Ewalt) Lesnar. He was the 5th of 10 children. He grew up on the family farm in Grenville and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School until the 8th grade.

Pete moved to Wisconsin with his brother brother Bernie and graduated from high school in Pulaski, Wi. He went to school in Pulaski to join the Brotherhood but he discovered girls, so he decided Brotherhood wasn’t for him.

In 1960, Pete enlisted in the Army where he went to basic training at Fort Ord in California. Pete went to Germany where he worked with a heavy artillery unti. He had three years of active duty under his belt. Pete was honorably discharged inb 1963.

Pete met Janice Reiprich and they were married on Nov. 26, 1966. To this union, three children were born Denise, Shawn, & John. His kids were his pride and joy, he taught them how to hunt and fish and also taught them to work for what you want.

Pete was not afraid of work. He was a farmer, the barber of Bristol also owner and operator of Lesnar Oil. His kids helped with farming and the oil business especially when school was out for the summer. Pete raised cattle, pigs, wheat, oats, and many other crops.

He married Darlas Opsal on June 27, 2008, in Groton, SD. They went on many adventures together. They had fun watching their grandchildren grow. Pete and Darlas went to Alaska, visited the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park together. Darlas passed away on Oct. 26, 2020. It broke Pete’s heart to lose the love of his life.

Pete entered Strand-Kjorsvig Living Center on Dec. 3, 2024. He enjoyed his time there getting to know the staff and residents. He was his happy go lucky self and had fun joking with the staff.

Grateful for having shared his life are his kids; Denise (Steve) Speck of Aberdeen, Shawn Lesnar of Bristol, John (Dawn) Lesnar of Mansfield, TX. Pete is also survived by his grandchildren Natan, Scott, and Chelsea Speck of Aberdeen, Christopher Reed of Aberdeen and Jonathan Bowe and Morgan Lesnar of Mansfield, TX, Great grandchildren include Wyatt and Hudsyn Speck of Aberdeen. He is also survived by his brothers and sister; Tony, Bernie, Brother Reynold, Gerald (Darlene) Raymond, Joseph (Evonne) and Josephine Maag. Brother in laws, Darrel (Linda), Denis (Karen), Dean (Linda), Dante (Amber) Mikkelson and sister in law; Deena (Adrian) Heitman, as well as many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Pete is also survived by good friends Ray Schiley, Damon Witt, and Joe Zabran.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grand parents, a set of twins that he and Janice had, Grandchildren Angelica and baby Reed, Twin Great grandchildren, Brothers Thomas and John Jr., Brother in law Lowell Maag and sister in laws; Shirley and Elaine Lesnar.

Pete’s family would like to thank Strand-Kjorsvig Living Center and the Prairie Lakes Hospice team for all the love and care they gave to Pete.