Leland John Rahjes passed away on January 20, 2024, at Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, KS.
Leland was born prematurely on December 26, 1945. While the birth certificate has Concordia recorded as his birthplace, it is thought he was born in Smith Center and taken to Concordia for premature newborn care. Several months went by without a word from the hospital in Concordia due to phone lines being down from a blizzard before the call came to bring him home.
Leland grew up on the family farm outside of Agra with his father John, mother Frieda and younger brother, Leonard.
Leland was baptized at St. John Lutheran church In Kensington and confirmed his faith on May 22, 1960. He lived his confirmation verse, 2 Thes. 3:3 believing in the Lord’s promise of faithfulness and protection. He had a passion for leading others to Christ and taught Sunday School for many years. After retiring from teaching Sunday School, he continued to serve Christ as a leader for Promise Keepers.
Leland graduated from Agra High School in 1963. After high school he served stateside with the National Guard, was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to Agra to farm with his dad and brother.
Leland married Judy (Hein) on June 11, 1970, at the St John Lutheran church in Kensington. Leland and Judy had two daughters, Risa Jo and Tonya Marie.
Leland was a leader in the community and served for many years as the mayor of Kensington in addition to serving in other community leadership roles.
In 1997, Judy left the earthly confines of this world with Leland and their girls faithfully by her side.
Leland found and married his second love, Linda (Heeke) on October 16, 1999.
Leland and Linda had many years of joy and love together. One of their favorite memories together was exploring Ireland. During their marriage they celebrated the births of 8 grandkids. The pillow fights before were legendary.
Leland is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter Risa and husband Steve, his daughter Tonya and husband Justin, a son Scott and wife Lisa, a daughter Kelli and husband David, and eight grandkids, Trevor, Emily, Camden, Colsen, Trent, Taylor, Karsten and Liam.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents John and Frieda, his first wife Judy, brother-in-law Jerome Hein and his brother Leonard.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, January 26, 2024, at the funeral home.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, KS
Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Church cemetery in Kensington KS on January 27th, 2024.
Memorials are encouraged to be made to either Smith Center Health and Rehab or to the Smith County Memorial Hospital and can be sent in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rentschler Family Mortuaries, Simmons-Rentschler Chapel, Smith Center, KS.
To leave an online condolence visit www.rfmortuaries.com.