Leonard Leroy Ziegler

Leonard Leroy Ziegler, 85, of Colby, died Friday, June 12, 2020, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born April 19, 1935, in Hoxie, KS, to Leonard and Theresa (Kruse) Ziegler. Leroy graduated from Oakley High School in 1953 and served in the United States Navy from 1957-1959. He returned to Oakley and worked for Lee Ohrman at the Filling Station. Leroy also did custom cutting and helped construct area grain elevators. On May 9, 1959, Leroy married Joan Ambrose, in Farwell, NE. Leroy began working for Prairie Printers in Colby. On October 15, 1964, Leroy and Joan started Leroy’s Printing, in Colby. Leroy was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, where he enjoyed being a lector at Mass. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.

Leroy was very community minded and held numerous leadership positions, including: Sacred Heart Parish Council and Home and School Association; Colby City Council; Thomas County Historical Society; Chamber of Commerce; charter member of the Colby Ambassadors; and Colby Jaycee’s. Throughout the years, Leroy received many accolades for his involvement in the community. Some of which he was honored to receive were: Outstanding Kansas Jaycee of the Year; one of the first to receive the Business Person of the Year; Colby Booster Club’s Community Leader; Hospice Services Triple S Award, and Orange and Black Classic Founders Award. He was asked many times to serve on advisory councils and was happy to serve where needed.

Leroy had a charismatic personality that attracted children. For many years, Leroy kept a candy bowl. During the summer months, local kids would stop by to and from the pool or park for a piece or two of candy. He would never say “No” to any fund-raising cause that involved youth activities.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Huelsman, and brother Donald Ziegler.

He is survived by his wife Joan, of Colby; children, Margo (Brady) Baker, Weston, MO, Marla (Willard) Crumrine, Brewster, KS, Marc (Casy) Ziegler, Bennington, KS, Marsha Ziegler, Wichita, KS and Marlyn (Laurie) Ziegler, Lawrence, KS; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church or the Thomas County Community Foundation and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com