Leroy Paul Wildeman, 80, passed away April 2, 2024, at the Memorial Central Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born August 4, 1943, in Quinter, Kansas, to Fred and Dora (Selensky) Wildeman. Leroy, his five brothers and one sister were all raised on a farm in Quinter, Kansas. During his childhood, he was often busy helping his father on the farm and creating mischief with his brothers. Leroy attended and graduated from Quinter High School with the class of 1961. He continued his education at the Denver Technical School where he trained to be a mechanic. After graduation, he returned to Hoxie, Kansas and started working at the Hoxie Implement. Leroy married Cora Mae Kinderknecht on November 28, 1967, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Galen and Paula. Cora passed away on September 28, 1977.
Leroy was a hard worker. He loved to tinker and was known for his mechanical ingenuity. When he retired from Hoxie Implement, he went to work for USD 412 in Hoxie where he managed the transportation department and took care of the school buses and vehicles. Leroy enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, sports and dances. It was at a dance that Leroy met his wife, Andrea Woods. They were married on June 1, 1985, in Norton, Kansas and celebrated 38 years of marriage. After retiring from the school, Leroy ran the Hoxie Swap Shop for many years with help from his wife, Andrea. He loved the feeling of helping the community that running the Swap Shop gave him. Leroy enjoyed working on puzzles, watching game shows, sports, and the TV series, Yellowstone. In November of 2022, Leroy and Andrea moved into the Hoxie Long Term Care. Even after moving to the LTC, Leroy would still visit his home often to tinker in his shop. Instead of building and repairing things like he did most of his life, he started to tear them apart. The LTC gave him the opportunity for his ornery side to come out while picking on the nurses and nurses aides. He loved it especially when they returned the favor!
Leroy leaves to mourn his passings his loving wife, Andrea of Hoxie, Kansas; son, Galen Wildeman and his wife Sondra of Modesto, California; daughter, Paula Marchbanks and husband Charles of Colorado Springs, Colorado; granddaughter, Lindsey Marchbanks; brother, Herbert Wildeman and wife Jan of Denver, Colorado; sister in law, Louise Wildeman of Grainfield, Kansas and many nieces, nephews, and other family members spread throughout the US.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dora Wildeman; wife, Cora; brothers, Jacob Wildeman, Herman Wildeman, Leonard Wildeman, and Leo Wildeman; and sister, Delphine Marcotte.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for April 20, 2024, 10:30 AM, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. A visitation will be held April 19, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM at the at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home and 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. The family will be at the visitation, at the church, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM to receive friends. The Vigil and Rosary Service will follow the visitation at 7:00 PM, at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Leroy P. Wildeman Memorial with memorials used to support the Leroy and Andrea Wildeman Foundation.