Leon C. Schroeder

Leon Charles Schroeder was born on July 26, 1951 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Isadore C. and Christine Fischer Schroeder. He died Friday, March 28, 2014 at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, Kansas at the age of 62 years, 8 months, and 2 days.

Leon grew up in Tipton, and later attended the VocationalTechnicalCollege in Beloit and then ran an auto body shop on the family farm. In 1992, he built and opened his own shop in Tipton.

From 1971 to 1973, he served in the United States Army.

On September 7, 1974, he was united in marriage with Rita Jean Thull, and they were blessed to spend nearly 40 years of marriage together.

Leon was very friendly and personable, and always loved chatting with his customers. And, you always knew his word was gold. He also enjoyed spending free time pheasant hunting with Joe Heskett and his nephews every year. He also had a great interest in sports – was a fan of K-State and loved KU basketball, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, the Tipton American Legion, Third Degree Knights of Columbus, and Tipton Lions Club, where he sold raffle tickets for 18 years.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Gale, and twin daughters, Korin Phyllis and Elisha Christine, who died in infancy.

He is survived by his wife Rita; one son, Kurstan and wife Kathy of Ft. Worth, Texas; two daughters, Keegan Stucker and husband Will of Junction City, and Kealan of Manhattan; one grandchild, Natalie McClain; three brothers, Merle Schroeder and wife Karen of Osborne, Darrell Schroeder of Tipton, and Steven Schroeder and wife Joya of Tipton; two sisters, Karen Sigg and husband Mark of Topeka, and Janet Tisdale and husband Jim of Victoria, Texas; one sister-in-law, Reta Schroeder of Tipton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Monday, March 31 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton followed by burial in St. Boniface Cemetery. A parish rosary service will be at 7 PM Sunday, March 30 at the Church, and visitation will be from 5 PM until the rosary service begins. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the American Legion Post #278.