LeLand Arthur O'Connell, age 50, of Aurora, passed away Friday, February 21, 2020, at the Brookings Emergency Room from an apparent heart attack. Visitations will be 5-8 P.M. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home.  Memorial services with full military rites will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 28, 2020, also at Eidsness Funeral Home.  Burial will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery.

LeLand was born January 27, 1970, in Rapid City, SD, to Thomas and Carol (Schulz) O'Connell. LeLand grew up around the world traveling with his family in the United States Army.  He graduated from High School in Junction City, Kansas.  He then attended Kansas State University before entering the United States Navy.  He served his country faithfully in the Navy, and then enlisted in the United States Army. LeLand was a recipient of the Purple Heart.  LeLand married Lucinda Moore in 1996 while he was serving in the Navy.

Leland and his family moved to Aurora, SD, in 2005. He went to work for various employers, until he found his true passion at Daktronics.  While working, Leland went back to college at SDSU, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.  He was currently pursuing his Master's Degree.

LeLand enjoyed watching movies, tinkering in his garage, and making his own beer and wine. Blessed be his memory.

Survivors include his wife, Lucinda of Aurora; children, Killian, Kienan, and Delaney; his parents, Tom and Carol O'Connell of Mobridge, SD; brother, Thomas (Laura) O'Connell of New Mexico; his in-laws, Paul and Sharon Moore of New York; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Allison; and his grandparents.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Brookings DAV.