John Edward Leis was born, July 17, 1942, in Wichita, the oldest son of Florian Leis and Dorothy Pauly Leis. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, Thursday, June 30, 2022.
At a young age, his family moved from Sedgwick County to Woodson County when Florian purchased a large farm near Yates Center. John attended grade school in Durand and completed his education at Yates Center High School where he enjoyed playing in the band and participating in FFA. He spent most of his time helping with the farm and supporting the large family.
He continued working on the farm until moving to the oil industry. In 2007 he partnered with his son, Matt, to form Leis Oil Services. He worked hard every day and is widely known for his capabilities.
He was kindhearted and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. John never met a stranger; he loved talking to people. He was genuinely interested in all topics and if he wasn’t face to face, would be on the phone for hours with good friends every day.
John married Peggy Jo Twadell Jan. 29, 1965, in Iola. John and Peggy made local history by celebrating their wedding with the first ever evening mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola.
John was steadfast in his faith as an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He rarely missed a mass and even watched them online all over the country. He served in the Knights of Columbus including Grand Knight for the local council.
He enjoyed his large family and the community it brought with it. John loved attending family gatherings and was very interested in his family history as they settled in the Midwest. He would often be seen playing cards with his nieces and nephews. He affectionately teased them and they knew he loved all of them.
John is survived by his wife, Peggy, his children and their spouses; Stephanie (Jay Ernst), Neva (Curt Newton), John Leis (Lynne Goodwin), Heather (Assad Mirza) and Matt Leis (Chandi).
He dearly loved his 10 grandchildren: Nate and Nick Ernst; Abigail (Marshall Rutter); Kamran, Hannah and Kadin Mirza; Keaton, Korbin, Gracyn and Hudson Leis and one great-grandson, Ford Rutter. His grandchildren were the light of his life; he was very proud of all their achievements and shared in their enthusiasm of pursuits.
He leaves nine siblings: Kathleen Reichenberger, Virginia Biggs, Theresa Henkle, Cyrilla Cooper, Victor Leis, Dorothy Arlene Ling, Wendell Leis, Steven Leis and Mercedes Bienhoff. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Frances King and Jean Temming.
John is buried at the Yates Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please arrange to have a mass or prayers said in his honor.
Advertisement
Advertisement
