LeRoy “Buck” Dessler

LeRoy “Buck” Dessler, age 85, of Gary, S.D., passed away March 28, 2026, at Avantara Nursing Home in Milbank, S.D. Graveside service with Military Honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Grandview Cemetery in Gary. Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake, S.D., is entrusted with the arrangements.

LeRoy “Buck” Dessler was born May 6, 1944, in Canby, Minn., to John “Jack” and Ione (Reilly) Dessler and was raised in Porter, Minn. In 1950, they moved to Gary, where he graduated from high school in 1958. He then entered the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. Following his return from the military, he worked odd jobs before moving to Lead, S.D., where he worked in the gold mines for two years.

He was united in marriage to Gloris Ekern in 1962. They lived in Hopkins, Minn., where he worked for NSP-Xcel Energy for 32 years. In 1998, he retired and they moved to Gary.

Buck loved to hunt, fish, trap and camp. They enjoyed going to their home on Lake Mille Lacs until 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Dessler of Gary; two sons: James Dessler of Hendricks, Minn., and Todd (Annie) Dessler of Prior Lake, Minn.; grandchildren: Luke, Emae, Taylor, Jack and Alexa; great-granddaughter: Emersyn; brother: Clark “Tuff” (Bev) Dessler of Gary; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and twin sisters: Joyce Lunde and Jeanette Carter.