Harold L. ‘Harry’ Leiker, 82, Hays, died Thursday, June 12, 2025 at HaysMed.
He was born November 14, 1942 in Hays, the son of Carl S. and Helen (Schmidt) Leiker. He was graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy with the class of 1960, then he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1960 – 1963 and was stationed in Germany during that time. He owned and operated Harry’s Heating and Air Conditioning and did sheet metal work. On April 24, 1965, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Marsh at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Harry was a member of the Eagle’s Lodge and the Hays American Legion Post #173. Harry was a car enthusiast who enjoyed new and classic cars, was a stickler for a well-manicured lawn, was a proud member of the McDonald’s Coffee Crew, and relished visiting with his friends. He and Carolyn spent 32 years in Longmont, Colorado, moving back to Hays in 2017 due to his health.
Survivors include his wife Carolyn, of the home in Hays, two sons, Loren Leiker (Linda) of Hays and Troy Leiker of Longmont, CO, a daughter, Karen Zurfluh (Steve Gentry) of Frederick, CO, two brothers, Earl J. Leiker (Mary Ann) of Hays, and Carl Leiker (Donna) of Texhoma, TX, five grandchildren, Brandon Leiker (Kristina), Marissa Schumacher (Luke), Bailee Carroll (Jordan), Brynn Leiker, and Tanner Zurfluh (Mackenzie), one great grandson due in September, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Merlyn Leiker (Phyllis), an infant brother Johnny Leiker, sisters, Betty Ann Walter (Leo Walter, Jr.), and Janet Dreiling, an infant sister Mary Leiker, a daughter-in-law Pam Leiker, a brother-in-law William Marsh, and a nephew Shawn Leiker.
Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors by the Hays VFW #9076 Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warriors or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and memories and condolences of Harry may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com