Jerald Dean Leitner, 89, of Colby, died Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Citizens Medical Center. He was born May 23, 1927, in Traer, KS, to Paul and Theresia (Wendelin) Leitner. He attended high school in Traer. He served in the United States Army, from 1945-1947, during WWII, stationed in Korea. On May 23, 1947, he married Elaine Runyan, in Oberlin, KS and they were married 69 years. Jerald worked for a short time in his own mechanic shop and then for Nitsch and Nitsch John Deere selling farm equipment & cars, in Oberlin, KS, for 30 years and after retiring, he farmed and did wood working, making clocks. He was a member of St John Lutheran Church in Oberlin and later joined Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby. Jerald enjoyed dancing, playing pool, cards, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jason Leitner; brothers, Robert and Marvin “Perk” Leitner.
Jerald is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Jerry, Claudia Bryant and Karla Sullivan; brother, Harold Eugene Leitner; 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be 5-7:00pm on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral service will be 1:00pm on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby. Burial will follow in the Oberlin Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Services or the Muscular Dystrophy Association in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Online condolence: www.baalmannmortuary.com