RAPID CITY | LeRoy Roes, 69, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, Oct. 19, 2013. He was taken from us too soon, leaving behind his wife Maria and daughter Pam. LeRoy was the best father and the most amazing husband. He was a true patriot, willingly giving 23 years of his life to his country while serving in the U.S. Army. LeRoy had a big laugh and even bigger heart. He touched so many lives with his kind words and firm handshake. LeRoy was not only a father to Pam but also "adopted" her friends as his own. His "adopted sons" Tim Mayes, Gregg and Andrew Hook as well as his future son-in-law Cole Schweitzer will mourn the loss of this great man. His surviving step brothers Gary and Lee Shepherd will also miss their big brother. There isn't a person who met Leroy that was not affected by his calm and warm presence. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the funeral home, with Ret. Chaplain Herb B. Cleveland officiating. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with military honors rendered by the South Dakota Army National Guard.