Leland Maciejewski

Leland E. “Leo” Maciejewski was born May 26, 1937, in Merriman, Neb., to Edward J. Maciejewski and Ethel (Hubbard) Maciejewski. His family moved west of Martin,  S.D., where he spent his childhood and lived until he was drafted into the U.S. Army Oct. 12, 1960. Following his discharge Sept. 19, 1962, he returned to Martin.
Before long, Leo set off on a new adventure in the Black Hills after finding work in logging; he eventually made his home in Hot Springs, S.D. He worked as a logger, log hauler, sold firewood, and took on just about any work connected to forestry.
He married Patricia Ann Phipps May 11, 1963. Together they welcomed five children: Calvin, born Oct. 16, 1963; Leeann, born May 4, 1966; Lori, born Dec. 4, 1969; Timothy, born April 2, 1973; and Brad, born Aug. 28, 1974.
After the passing of his parents-in-law, Howard and Elaine Phipps, in 1989, Leo began to transition back into farming, making it his full-time work in 1992. Martin remained his home, where he lived full-time in the summers and part-time during the winters. He often said he had never worked a day in his life because he was doing what he enjoyed.
Leo was truly one of a kind: strong-willed, hard-headed, resilient, caring and driven. A hard worker who always needed to be doing something, he lived life on his own terms. He never met a stranger and was never hesitant to strike up a conversation. Beneath his strong personality and determined nature was a caring heart and a deep love for his family.
One of Leo’s greatest passions was playing pool. He loved the game, but what he enjoyed just as much was the company that came with the people surrounding the pool table. For him, pool was more than just winning. He enjoyed the challenge, the camaraderie and the friendships made along the way.
He also enjoyed playing cribbage and pinochle and rarely turned down a game. Although he enjoyed winning, he was also one of the fairest people you could ever meet, but “If you show me your cards, I’m going to look.”
Leo had a quick wit, liked to tease and joke around, and never missed an opportunity to stir the pot a little. Whether making a comment, giving someone a hard time, or pushing someone’s buttons just enough to get a reaction, he knew how to keep things interesting. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and those who knew him best wouldn’t have wanted him any other way.
Leo took great pride in his family and was a devoted father, grandfather and friend. He loved supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cheering them on, showing up for them and taking pride in the lives they were building. He lived a long, full life filled with hard work, family, games, friendships, laughter, and memories. He will be remembered for his strength, fairness, work ethic, humor and love for those around him.
Leo is survived by his wife, Patricia Maciejewski; his sons, Calvin Maciejewski, Tim (Sarah) Maciejewski and Brad Maciejewski; his grandchildren, Levi Maciejewski, Kyle (Katy) Maciejewski, Ashley (Kevin) Albrecht, Camille (Tyler) Koucherik, Caden Maciejewski, Caleb (Madilyn) Maciejewski, Candra Maciejewski, Camron Maciejewski, Kambree Maciejewski and Kenadee Maciejewski; and his great-grandchildren, Herbie Leland Maciejewski, Gavin Maciejewski, Justin Maciejewski, Alexis Maciejewski, Kaylee Mergen, Lane Maciejewski and Lathan Maciejewski, with two more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ethel; his parents-in-law, Howard and Elaine Phipps; his daughters, Leeann and Lori; his siblings, Zigmund, Winthrop and Wanda; and his granddaughter, baby Jessica.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Mueller Center Theatre in Hot Springs. Committal service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs with full military honors presented.
Memorials will be used for future pool tournaments in Leland’s name.  
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs.