Leroy Heinrich

LeRoy James Heinrich, 84, of Oakley, died Wednesday, February 10th, in Logan County Hospital. He was born July 17th, 1936, in Quinter, Ks, to Gabe, and Mary (Engel) Heinrich. He graduated from Grinnell High School, in 1954, and served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He married Delores Meerian, on August 23, 1958, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. LeRoy loved his community and took great pride in making Oakley, Ks the best it could be, as he served as the Mayor of Oakley from 1977-1985, and was a board member of various organizations, including; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW, Chamber of Commerce, City Council, and Oakley Country Club. He owned and operated Northwest Furniture and Floor Covering, from 1964-2000. He also owned a furniture store in Scott City, and a decorating center, in Colby. He was a Real Estate Agent, and Broker, and owned Western Plains Realty, from 1982-2012. He owned the Palace Theater, Oakley Lanes, and multiple buildings in downtown Oakley. He was responsible for persuading Sonic, and Pizza Hut to operate in the city. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, baseball, and flying, and owned a Cessna single engine plane. He bowled four perfect games, and held the course record of 31, at the Oakley Country Club. He was an avid baseball fan, was a pitcher in the Army, and was extended an invitation, to try out with the MLB St. Louis Browns. He coached Little League baseball, and the Oakley Bombers women’s fast pitch traveling team. He supported the Logan County Fair, and purchased a 4-H steer nearly every year. He also enjoyed gambling, playing cards, watching sports, and attending family reunions. Family was important to him.


LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth.


LeRoy is survived by his wife, Delores, children, Debbie Horchoff, Fairview Heights, IL; Lonnie (Linda) Heinrich, San Marcos, CA; Brad (Mary) Heinrich, Greenwood Village, CO; Diane (Darrell) Zerr, Centennial, CO; Amy (Paul) Miller, Encinitas, CA. Grandchildren, Camille (Adam) Ziccardi, Denver, CO; Crystal Zerr, Aurora, CO; Bryan (Brianna) Zerr, Greenwood Village, CO; Brandon Heinrich, Silverthorne, CO; David Heinrich, Huntington Beach, CA; Christa Heinrich, Huntington Beach, CA; Sarah Heinrich, San Marcos, CA: Rachel Horchoff, Fairview Heights, IL; Amber Miller, Los Angeles, CA; and Derek Miller, Costa Mesa, CA. Great grandchildren, Mae, and Mia Ziccardi, and Emilia Zerr. Brothers, Elmer Heinrich, Gary Heinrich, and sisters, Darlene Medina, Arlene Downey, and Delores Schneider.


Funeral Services were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with inurnment in the church cemetery. The family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph’s Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com