Leonard Erpelding

Leonard Peter Erpelding was born on June 15, 1922 and went to the Lord on February 15, 2021. He was born to Adolf P. Erpelding and Louise Erpelding in Hoven, South Dakota. Leonard was the youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Salem High School, now known as North Salem High School, class of 1940. He proudly shared that his first paid job was at the age of nine delivering newspapers. As a young adult he managed the Elsinore Theatre and later established Erpelding Construction, LLC. His construction business built more than 50 Circle K’s along the West Coast. He was among the first developers in Oregon to bring timeshare vacation ownership to the Oregon Coast with oceanfront property known as the Sandpiper, which vacationers still enjoy today. He later managed the Erpelding riverfront ranch of 408 acres in the Santiam Canyon. Leonard enjoyed ballroom dance, was an avid reader, traveled extensively with his wife Alicia, loved to play cards, watch Western movies -especially John Wayne and drink a good tequila. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, brother and his beloved dog, Blizzard. He leaves behind his wife, Alicia, who never left his side, three daughters, three grandchildren, five stepchildren, four step-grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews. Leonard will live forever in our hearts. The family wishes to thank the staff at Salem Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care of Leonard. Due to COVID restrictions a private funeral service for Leonard was held at Restlawn Funeral Home.