Leon Robert Ricke, age 77, of Hays, Kansas passed away December 27,2021 at Wheatlands Health Care Center.
Leon was born January 28,1944 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas to Seraphine and Beatrice (Dick) Ricke.
He grew up in a large family outside of Medicine Lodge, KS with eight brothers and one sister. In 1960 his family moved to Willowdale, KS. He was a 1963 graduate of Zenda High School. Leon went on to play football at Pratt County College.
On September 11, 1965 he was united in marriage to Colleen White, and they were married for 56 years. They moved to Hays in 1966 where Leon went on to earn an Industrial Arts Degree from Fort Hays State University.
Leon was owner/operator of Ricke’s Carpet Service for over 40 years. He took great pride in his work as a flooring specialist, and he cherished the good friends he made over the years while working at his profession. He never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He was a kind and gentle man, who was an exemplary role model for his children.
Family was everything to Leon. He loved playing golf with Mike, backpacking with Brad, and attending K-State football games with Shelly. He was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Colleen of Hays. His sons: Michael Ricke and his wife Kathy of Valparaiso, IN, Bradley Ricke and his wife Mandy of Hays, and a daughter Shelly Moeckel and her husband Guy of Hays, eight grandchildren: Madison Ricke, Bryant Ricke, Sierra Ricke, Emily Ricke, Molly Ricke, Alexa Moeckel, Logan Moeckel, and Braeden Moeckel. He is also survived by his mother, Beatrice Ricke, Kingman, KS and his 9 siblings: Fred Ricke (Pat), Melvin Ricke (Nina), Jerome Ricke (Susan), Clarence Ricke (Geneva), Geralyn Prichard (Dan), Glenn Ricke (Kay), Norman Ricke (Twyla), Kevin Ricke (Delores), and Gayle Ricke.
Leon was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lisa Diane and his father Seraphine Ricke.
Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested in Leon’s memory to the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.