Anker K. Leifsen, 57, of Redfield, SD, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

His memorial service will be Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Anker was born February 22, 1950 in Aberdeen, SD to Anker and Mary Jane (Compton) Leifsen. He grew up in the Redfield area and graduated from Redfield High School in 1968. He served in the United States Navy in Vietnam from 1968-1972. After his discharge he joined the United States Coast Guard serving until 1977. He lived in New Orleans until 1990 and has made his home at Cottonwood Lake near Redfield.


Anker is survived by his long time companion Lori Ortbahn of Cottonwood Lake; his children: Amber (Shawn) Connors of Slidell, LA; Anker Adam (Astrid) Leifsen of New Orleans, LA and Shaun Haynes of Marrero, LA. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Eric Leifsen and Aiden and Andrew Connors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.