William “Bill” Howard Lebus, 63, Veblen, South Dakota (Nine Mile Lake) passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a long courageous battle with cancer that was full of hope and determination like no other.
Bill was born May 17th 1960 in Fargo, ND to Sonya (Peterson) and James “Jim” Lebus. He grew up in Fargo and enjoyed weekends and summers at Lake Maud in Audubon, MN. Bill graduated from Fargo South High in 1979.
On August 25, 1990, Bill married Rhonda Helgeson at Bethlehem Church in South Fargo which was down the block they both grew up from. Together they raised their family, worked to restore a beautiful victorian home, and operated their own business, The Cleaners, where many current and previous employees are considered as family. Before The Cleaners, Bill mastered the craft of wood working and working on anything with a motor. Bill was really the jack of all trades and could do or fix anything.
In July 2001, Bill and Rhonda purchased lake property and made their own family lake home, on Nine Mile Lake. Many memories were made clearing the lot, camping, boating, tubing, skiing, four wheeling, ranger riding, and building whether it be garages/guest houses, decks, and porches. His favorite was sharing fireworks with family, friends, and neighbors. Countless memories have been made at the lake for all. All the neighbors knew Bill could fix anything and had the supplies to do it with a smile and amazing laugh and maybe even a beer in his “garage” geared towards guests! Besides caring for and being proud of Rhonda, his kids, and home the grandkids and pets were Bill’s joy. Never has there been a pet that has not loved Bill and likewise. And never is there a memory of grandpa not having anything but patience with his grands whether he’s working on a jet ski all day or listening to the karaoke machine.
Bill was a classily simple thoughtful man whether bringing your favorite candy or treat or some part you needed to fix something he knew was broke. He put his friends and family first. He always knew exactly what you needed even if you didn’t see this yourself. He always remembered the small things. He had a wisdom not all have “that the simple real stuff was the real important stuff”. Even on his last sickest days when it was asked if the grandkids were too much he exclaimed they were just fine and put a brave face on for family caring for him to make it seem he wasn’t as ill as he was; all in an effort to try to help them cope when in reality he needed all the care and his body was tired.
Bill showed endless strength after his prognosis over a year ago. He knew Rhonda & the family needed him a little longer. We are thankful for those extra days together. He was taken too soon and we may be heartbroken but we find peace knowing he has no more pain and envy how brave he was to be so strong for his family even in the end. He will be greatly missed everyday and leaves big shoes and voids to fill for all. He gifted Rhonda a sign years ago before Sign Quotes were popular and his family really feels it was his life motto “Live a Good Life, and in the end, it’s not the years in a life, it’s the life in the years” -Abraham Lincoln. Bill lived a good life!
Bill is survived by his wife and best friend Rhonda of 32 years; children, Elisha (Aric), Hope, ND; Ryan, Fargo, ND; and 5 grandchildren Mandy, Chevy, Wells, Brynlee, and Pax; brother, Richard (Tracey) Lebus, father-in-law Orvin Helgeson, and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Howard and Alice Lebus, Richard and Nelda Peterson; parents James & Sonya Lebus, and mother-inlaw Kathleen Helgeson.
Bill had a strong love for America so there is no better way we can think of to honor him than close to the 4th of July. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake City Municipal, 219 Broadway, Lake City, SD on Monday, July 17th at 3:00 pm. Lunch will be served. Dress casual is great. RV hook ups are available in Lake City. Lodging is available in Britton and Hankinson.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Rhonda Lebus – 11176 9 Mile Rd. – Veblen, SD 57270.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www. pricefuneralchapel.net.
