Leroy J. Riedel, 74, Hays, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at HaysMed.
He was born August 29, 1949 in Hays, the son of Edwin and Esther M. (Befort) Riedel. Leroy graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1967 then worked as a lineman for Southwestern Bell Telephone. On August 23, 1969, he was united in marriage to Linda Gottschalk at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, and they celebrated nearly 55 years of marriage. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and during his three years of service did communications work and was stationed in New Jersey, Arizona, and Korea. Together, Leroy and Linda owned and operated Master Cleaners, and after retiring, he shared his love of history while volunteering at Historic Fort Hays and was a member of The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166, the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282, VFW Post #9076, and American Legion Post #173.
Leroy was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan, enjoyed family pinochle games, and was a collector of sports memorabilia, guns, and coins. He also had an extensive marble collection, which was honored by the Kansas Toy Museum as he was the marble champion of Kansas in 1962 and took 13th in Nationals. Leroy and Linda raised their two daughters, Tonya and Tara, and they were honored to raise three grandchildren, Ashley, Chelsea, and Dylan. Leroy’s legacy extends on to his grandchildren and great grandchildren through the wisdom and knowledge he passed on to them. His family was his pride and joy, and he treasured all the lasting memories made at their SCADD Lake House at Cedar Bluff, during favorite holiday celebrations, and throughout their travels around the world, which included baptisms in the Jordan River, and annual vacations to the Bahamas.
Survivors include his wife Linda of Hays, two daughters, Dr. Tonya Knoll and husband Grady of Hays and Tara Amador of Great Bend, seven grandchildren, Ashley Kirkpatrick and husband Brennon of Hays, Chelsea Haskett and husband Dave of Hays, Dylan Zimmerman and wife Tiffany of Liberal, Shelby Trickle and husband Dalton of Hays, Dustin Knoll of Hays, Bree Pickerell of McPherson, and Evan Amador of Great Bend, five great grandchildren, Lincoln Stipe, Colton Stipe, Archer Haskett, Riggins Kirkpatrick, and Ledger Haskett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Hill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #173 Legion Riders will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 until 6:30, and a vigil service will be at 6:30, followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays. Condolences and memories of Leroy may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.