Leon James DeJong, 59, of Avon, was born June 14, 1967, in Tyndall to George and Lorraine (DeBoer) DeJong. He died Saturday, October 10, 2026, surrounded by his family, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Leon attended grade school south of Avon at Dahlenburg Country School and two years at the Mennonite Country School. He graduated from Avon High School in 1985. Leon began his 30 year career right after high school working at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, retiring in 2015. He also farmed while working at the prison, raising hogs at his parent’s farm. He moved to the family farm in 2000. He enjoyed raising cows and goats through the years, along with a variety of other farm animals, including his llama named Tim. Leon met Julie Reck in 1997 and they were married on January 9, 1999. They went to Disney on their honeymoon, which started a magical family tradition. They took vacations to Disney eight more times through the years. Leon loved going to all of the activities of his kids and supported them in every way. He will be remembered for his love of being a papa. He also loved the candy PEZ, his “tittens”, and was very proud to share a birthday with Donald Trump. Leon courageously battled ALS. His diagnosis was given September 15th. With his wife alongside him, he reminded her they will "take it one day at a time." Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Julie of Avon, three children: Samantha (Travis) of Tyndall, Levi (Ashton) of Avon, and Kory of Avon; three grandchildren: Maverick, Waylon, and Wyatt; three siblings: Gloria (Verald) Odens of Springfield, Gary (Sue) of Avon and Larry (Karla) of Avon; father-in-law, Dave (Glenda) Reck of Avon; aunt Darlene Britton of WI; uncles: Dennis (Janet) DeBoer of Yankton and Raymond DeJong of CO; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Diane Reck and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services were Friday, October 16 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial was in the Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. The service was live streamed on the Emmanuel Reformed Church Springfield, SD Youtube page. Peters Funeral Chapel in Avon was in charge of arrangements.