Leonard Lester Karst, age 95, passed away December 5, 2021, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born August 22, 1926, on the farm near Galatia, the eldest of three children to Siegmund and Pauline (Miller) Karst. He was baptized on August 26, 1926, and confirmed on June 22, 1941, at the Evangelical Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kan. He married Maybelline Steinert on April 16, 1950. They had four children.
Leonard was a farmer and carpenter working for several contractors in the Hoisington and Great Bend areas. Health concerns forced them to move to Great Bend in 1968. Over the next 45 years, he was employed at USD 428, J.C. Penney Automotive, Lindholm Construction and Lee Turner Farms. Leonard and May were owners of General Zarah’s Café and he was co-owner of G&L Construction. Upon closing the business he was employed part-time at Waters True Value Hardware, fully retiring in 2012 at the age of 85. He then enjoyed his daily rounds about town starting at McDonald’s in the morning for coffee with his buddies. Anyone seeing his old blue and white GMC pickup on the streets knew he was out on his rounds.
Survivors include his children, Allen (Doris) Karst of Great Bend, Loralie Weller of Great Bend, Debra Karst of Pflugerville, Tex., and Michael (Tracey) Karst of Springfield, Mo; a sister, Darlene Reber of Calif.; a sister in law, Loene Karst of Hoisington; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one great great grandson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his wife May of 70 years and 7 months; his parents; a brother, Clinton Karst; brother in law, Lou Reber; and one great great granddaughter, Brecklyn Paden.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding. Inurnment will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.