Reinhold Joseph “Ronnie” Leiker, 86, Hays, died Tuesday, October 21, 2026 at his home.
He was born February 28, 1940 in Hays, the son of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker. Ronnie graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1959, and on November 3, 1972, he was united in marriage to Dianna Kay Gile at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. They celebrated nearly 54 years of marriage. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325.
Ronnie was a loyal and hardworking man. He worked at Safeway for more than 20 years, in the maintenance department at HaysMed for 20 years, and throughout his life, did what he loved most, farming and raising Black and Red Angus cattle. He was an avid and loyal K-State football, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals fan. Ronnie also enjoyed coaching Hays Rec baseball, TMP-M athletics, and sharing stories about his many wins of the milking contest at the Ellis County Fair as well as meeting Bart Starr.
Survivors include his wife Dianna of Hays, two sons Randy Leiker and wife Angie of Anthem, Arizona and Danny Leiker and wife MaKayla of Hays, one daughter Renee Leiker, a brother Art Leiker and wife Marilyn of Hays, eight grandchildren Melissa Leiker, Ashton Ebeling, Reilly Leiker, Colby Nicodemus, Brody Leiker, Juliana Leiker, Eagan Nicodemus, and Gracie Leiker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Herbert, Erwin “Erv”, Kenneth, and LaVern Leiker, and two sisters Norine Leiker and Erma Dinges.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Munjor. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church. A vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00, both on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed or to TMP-M Endowment. Condolences and memories of Ronnie may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com