LaVern A. "Ace" Leiker

LaVern A. “Ace” Leiker

LaVern A. “Ace” Leiker, 87, formerly of Great Bend, Kansas, died Friday, November 17, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 11, 1936 in Hays, the son of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker.  In 1954, he graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy, and on August 6, 1965 he was united in marriage to Junalie Ann Archer in Hill City, and they celebrated 42 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on September 20, 2007.  For over 30 years, LaVern worked in oilfields for Koch Industry, retiring as a foreman.  He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Great Bend and the Great Bend Knights of Columbus Council #862.  He enjoyed going to car races with Junalie, fishing, and being at the lake as much as possible.  He was a University of Kansas basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan.  LaVern lived simply, was a man of faith, and loved his family.

Survivors include his daughter Karla Cordes of Lawrence, two brothers, Reinhold “Ronnie” Leiker and wife Diana and Art Leiker and wife Marilyn, both of Hays, a sister, Erma Dinges of Hays, four grandchildren, Josha Cates and husband Chris, and Shannon, Easton, and Kaidon Cordes, a great granddaughter, Jackie Cates, a great grandson, C.J. Cates who will be born soon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Junalie, three brothers, Herbert, Erwin “Erv”, and Kenneth Leiker, a sister, Norine Leiker, and an infant son, Ricky Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays, with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery in Munjor.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A combined vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Parish or to Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence.  Condolences and memories of LaVern may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com   

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