R.L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Avenue, Leavenworth, KS (2025)

12/11/2025

Merle Allen Light, 70, of Leavenworth, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at Providence Medical Center. He was born March 22, 1955, in Leavenworth, and adopted by his parents, Marvin F. Sr. and Ora E. (Gifford) Light.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Marvin Light Jr., Melvin Light, Marylin Vance and Marjorie Wood; his biological mother, Ann Wranick; and a biological sister, Debbie Freeman.

Merle married Mary (Miller) Light in 1997, and is survived by his loving wife. He is also survived by a daughter, Gwynne Garrison of Leavenworth; four grandchildren, Echo, Zeke, Zaylin and Efie Garrison; a sister, Marcene Prentice (Carl); two siblings from his biological family, Rhonda Schild and Rick Powers (LeAnn); many nieces, nephews, cousins and his aunt, Mary Wise.

He went into the painting trade before graduating from high school. Merle learned everything about the trade from his brother-in-law, Bill Vance. He was an avid Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan all of his life.

A celebration of Merle’s life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society (L.A.W.S.), Hope Pet Rescue, or the American Cancer Society.

12/11/2025

Veronica “Ronnie” Lynn Stoneback, 81, of Olathe, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at home. She was born Aug. 25, 1944, in Lawrence, Kan., the daughter of Dean and Wilma (Johnson) Stoneback.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ronnie attended public school in Lawrence and Olathe, and graduated from Olathe High School. She then attended Emporia State Teacher’s College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching. Ronnie taught math and science at Blue Valley Schools for many years. She was passionate about teaching and she genuinely cared for her students.

In her free time, Ronnie enjoyed nature, feeding the birds in her own yard and going to local lakes near her to watch the Eagles. She was an avid reader. She also loved cats, hallmark cards and collecting moose memorabilia for her home. Ronnie was quick witted with her jokes and truly always a kid at heart, especially when she was buying gifts she would say she always had to play with the toys first to make sure they worked. She was also a great listener to friends and strangers and loved to brighten anyone’s day with a smile.

Ronnie is survived by her two sisters, Linda Else of Eidson, Tenn., and LaDean (Bob) Krueger of Wellsville, Kan.; and her brother, William (Jill) Stoneback of Lawrence, Kan.

A celebration of life in Olathe, Kan, is pending and will be announced soon.

12/08/2025

Christopher David Jensen was born January 15, 1947, in Paris, France, to Rachel (Messervy) Jensen and Lewis Jensen. His father, a U.S. Army Ordnance Officer, was stationed in Paris at the close of World War II. When Lewis completed his duties there, the family moved to El Paso, Texas. Lewis passed away from Polio in 1952, and Rachel married John Skokowski.
Chris attended Jesuit High School in El Paso, where he excelled both academically and artistically. He was a gifted debater, a talented thespian, and an accomplished classical pianist. His musical abilities earned him a piano scholarship to Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. While at Spring Hill, he participated in the Reserve Officer Training Program and majored in English. It was also there that he met the love of his life, Rita Payne; the two were married in September of 1969.

After graduation, Chris and Rita moved to Carbondale, Illinois, where they pursued graduate studies in English at Southern Illinois University. Upon completing their degrees, Chris joined the U.S. Army as an Armor Officer. He served honorably for 20 years on active duty. While serving, he continued to teach through various English instructor roles, including time as a professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point and later at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Following his retirement from the military, Chris embarked on a second career in education. He worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Saint Mary, where he taught classes in the Leavenworth Penitentiary, Kansas City Kansas Community College, and Johnson County Community College before accepting a full-time faculty position at Rockhurst High School. He spent 14 years at Rockhurst, where he not only taught English but also served as the advisor for the Ecology Club—a cause that he continued to champion throughout his life. When the long commute to Rockhurst began to affect his health, he devised a commute that would better serve the environment and help him get a little exercise. This involved driving, catching a bus, and biking the final 11 miles, then doing this all in reverse on the way home. He did this in all kinds of weather, including snow, with his studded snow tires...After retiring from Rockhurst in 2018, he continued to share his love of literature as an AP English teacher at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth. He was also a tutor for the AVID Program at Leavenworth High School.
Chris was also deeply committed to service and faith in action. He participated in prison ministry for many years with a group called Bethany, regularly visiting inmates at the Leavenworth Penitentiary and the United States Disciplinary Barracks. His compassion, patience, and belief in the dignity of every person touched many lives.

“The best portion of a good man's life: his little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” — William Wordsworth

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Rachel and Lewis Jensen, and his stepfather, John Skokowski. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rita (Payne) Jensen; his four children, Amy (Jensen) Crumpacker and her husband Christian, Mark Jensen, Paul Jensen and his wife Sara, and Suzanne (Jensen) Benson and her husband Peter; and twelve grandchildren: Zachary Crumpacker, Ethan Crumpacker, Jensen Crumpacker, Jacob Jensen, Abigail Jensen, Bailey Jensen, Morgan Jensen-Upshaw, Connor Jensen, Riley Jensen, Hannah Stephensen, Rowan Stephensen, and Klaus Stephensen. He is also survived by his five siblings: Elizabeth (Jensen) McGrane, Michelle (Jensen) Stanulonis, John Skokowski, Paul Skokowski, and Ann (Skokowski) James.

A Funeral Mass will be at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lansing, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, which would have been Chris’s 79th birthday. Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., with a luncheon at St. Francis afterward.

The funeral will be live-streamed on YouTube; the link can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/.francisdesalescatholicc9799/streams

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris’s name to Doctors Without Borders or The Saint Francis DeSales Capital Fund

12/01/2025

Raimundo (Raymond) Nonato Fialho da Silva, 92, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by family, on 28 November 2025. He was born on 22 July 1933 in São Raimundo Nonato, Piauí, Brasil, to Ruben de Macedo da Silva and Julia Fialho (de Oliveira) da Silva.

Raimundo married Mary Alice (Selph) da Silva. They later divorced. Together they had four children: Curtis (Debbie), Theresa (Chris) List, Regina (Steve) Clark, and Richard.

He later married Maria Aparecida Mendes Alvares on 17 December 2008, who lovingly survives at home.

He was blessed with ten grandchildren, Micki (Brandon) Miller, Kristen da Silva, Raymond (Holly) Hanson, Jessica (Gavin) Hampton, Kaitlin (Logan) Parks, Samantha (Nick) Ohmes, Greg (Emily) List, Rebecka Clark, Jonah da Silva and Jacksen da Silva.

The true joys of his life were his 15 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way – one more heart to hear and share stories of Papa Ray. This is his legacy, his family.

Raymond is also survived by sisters-in-law Dorinha and Sister Lourdes, and brothers-in-law Joao and Paulo.

He was one of four children. Raymundo Walter Fialho da Silva, Leda Fialho Diniz Martins, and Jose Renato Fialho da Silva.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Curtis; son-in-law, Steve; brother, Raymundo, and sister, Leda.

Raimundo came to the U.S. in 1956 with an uncle who was in the Brasilian Army, stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He learned what little English he knew then from listening to “Voice of America” on short-wave-radio, from New York City.

He volunteered in the drama department at Saint Mary’s College, building stage sets, where he met Leroy Wiley. Through this friendship, Raimundo was welcomed into the Wiley family. Roy and Marguerite Wiley became his immigration sponsors, giving him what he always described as his American family: brothers Leroy, Louis, and Edward (all deceased), and sister Patty Visocsky.

He worked at Fort Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College. In 1959, he was hired as a stockman at Hallmark Cards, (the old plant by the river) where he retired as a supervisory make-ready specialist after 39 years.

He was a proud U.S. citizen, having taken the oath in 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial year.

He remained deeply connected to the Brasilian military community, actively sponsoring Brazilian officers stationed at Fort Leavenworth. His service and cultural contributions earned him the Medalha de Mérito Civilian, the highest honor bestowed by the Brazilian Army upon a civilian.

At age 65, and legally blind, Raimundo began long-distance cycling. His rides took him across 16 states, including routes from Washington to San Francisco and from Wyoming to New Mexico. He was an avid water skier and loved traveling, camping, and attending the many activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; especially their sporting events.

He was a Catholic. When asked what he wanted people to remember about him, he said that he was a servant of Christ.

Many thanks and appreciation to Interim Hospice for the wonderful care, support, and peace they provided both to him and his family.

Visitation beginning with praying the rosary will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Church, 306 N Broadway, Leavenworth, KS. A funeral mass will begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Church. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations are suggested to St Joseph Church.

12/01/2025

Robert (Skip) Lee McQueen, 68, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Leavenworth/Shawnee, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 with his children and wife by his side. He was born Sept. 24, 1957, in Hollywood, CA, the son of Robert James and Norma Jane (Haymes) McQueen.

On Nov. 8, 2014, Robert married Judith Anne (McElroy) McQueen. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Naomi McQueen (Brenn Cartwright) and Rachel Ogle (Ryan); grandchildren, Liam and Kaela; brother-in-laws, Gary Dunnam and Gordon Reabe; nieces and nephews, Matthew Dunnam (Bry Brown), Ryan Dunnam, Aubrey Dunnam, Katelyn Andree (Rob), Shannon Dickson (Mark), Eric Reabe (Lauren) and Spencer Reabe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Robin Dunnam; and a sister-in-law, Linda Reabe.

Robert served honorably in the United States Army for over 20 years as an intelligence analyst. During his military career he served in multiple locations across the United States as well as South Korea and Germany. While in the military, he competed in the 1991 Armed Forces Chess Championship as a member of the Army team, and they won first place.

After his military service, he worked for AT&T for many years before retiring to FL in 2020.

During his retirement he loved to travel. Some of his travels included China, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, South America and Africa. He spent time as a ranger at his neighborhood golf course. He also loved volunteering at the local military heritage museum.

Some of his day to day activities included golfing, bowling, chess, pickle ball and playing with his dog, Ellie. He was an avid chess player and loved competing or teaching others how to play chess. He also loved rooting on his Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Robert was a devout Christian. His faith in Christ guided his every step and had a huge impact on his life. He was a member of the Westside Family Church in Shawnee, KS. He also participated in life study and bible groups.

One of Robert’s greatest accomplishments was being a father and leader of a family. He always made sure his family was taken care of. He was a kind, loving and supportive father and husband. His legacy will live on through the countless lives that he had an impact on. His kids will continue to live in light of his love and example, striving to make him proud every day. Rest in peace.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. A reception will be at the funeral home following the services Bring your favorite Skipper story to share with us.

Celebration of life will be held in Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Disabled American Veterans charity or the American Cancer Society in memory of Robert.

12/01/2025

Un Sun “Mindy” Hampton, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Hospice House of Olathe. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in both Seoul and Daegu during the 1950s, Mindy was deeply loved by all who knew her—from customers and coworkers at the Fort Leavenworth Commissary, where she dedicated over 25 years of service and earned several awards, to her congregation at Leavenworth Full Gospel Korean Church and, most importantly, her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Hampton, who passed away on October 28, 2015.

Mindy was known for her radiant laughter, infectious humor, and a heart full of generosity. She loved to cook and feed those around her, finding joy in sharing meals and gifts alike. Her passion for dancing and her fun spirit could light up any room, always bringing smiles to those fortunate enough to be near her. Mindy treasured spending time with loved ones, whether through thoughtful gift-giving, shopping excursions, or simply enjoying moments together. She was an amazing hard worker who inspired many by living with kindness, humor, and warmth.

She is survived by her son Donnie Hampton and his wife Emily, her daughter Kimberly Triplett and her husband Charles, and five grandchildren: Wyatt, Troy, Ezra, Grace, and Elijah. Mindy’s legacy of love and hard work lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

A visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home, with food and refreshments to follow.

The family invites those who knew Mindy to share stories and memories that celebrate her vibrant life. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choice or to organizations supporting hospice care, in gratitude for the compassionate support provided in her final days.

12/01/2025

Carolyn Irene (Schmidling) DeMaranville, 83, of Leavenworth County, passed into her eternal rest on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Leavenworth, Kan., on August 3, 1942, the daughter of Vincent and Irene (Crook) Schmidling.

She attended St. Casimir elementary school and graduated from Immaculata High School. Carolyn worked at McCormick-Payton Moving & Storage, drove a bus for Easton Bus Service and retired from Hallmark Cards. She was an active farm-wife (driving equipment, milking cows, and raising a garden & animals).

On June 27, 1960, Carolyn married Ernest DeMaranville. She is survived by her children, Gail DeMaranville-Zule, Rita (Tim) Herken, Richard (Lisa) DeMaranville, Mark (Carol) DeMaranville and Paul (Sherry) DeMaranville; 19 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Darla (Danny) Asher; her brother-in-law, Robert Daryl (Linda) DeMaranville; her sister-in-law, Kelli DeMaranville; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Ernie; her parents; her parents-in-law, Ralph & Bernice DeMaranville; her son in-law, Dean Zule; a great-grandson, Frankie DeMaranville; her brother and sister-in-law, Vincent E. & Glenda Schmidling; a brother-in-law, David DeMaranville; and a niece, Melissa DeMaranville.

She was an active member of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish, where she was a member of the Altar Society and choir for many years. She was a devout Catholic, devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. She loved her faith, large family, crocheting and friends (especially her Scrabble and Bunco ladies).

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with praying the rosary at 5:00 p.m., Wed., Dec. 3, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at St. Joseph of the Valley Catholic Church with Rev. Bill McEvoy as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph–St. Lawrence Parish or Apple Orchard Hospice. A special heartfelt thank you to the staff of Apple Orchard Hospice for the loving care provided.

11/25/2025

Charles (Chuck) Martin Tolbert, 70, of Leavenworth, Kansas, peacefully passed away, Friday, November 21, 2025. At the time of his death, he was undergoing hospice care following recent health complications.

He is survived by eight siblings – Maria Del Valle, Mark Tolbert III, Marilynn Martin, Patti Webb (Ronnie), Alex Tolbert, Martha Willis (Greg), Harry Tolbert, and Philip Tolbert (Michele). Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louis Brown Tolbert, his father, Mark Tolbert, Jr., and two siblings – Mimi Tolbert and Patricia Tolbert.

Chuck was born, August 3, 1955, in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he lived throughout his adult life. He was active at various local churches as an organist, pianist and gospel vocalist. He was also employed at the Hallmark Leavenworth Production Center for 10 years.

He was kind-hearted with friends, acquaintances and strangers alike.

Respecting his wishes, there will be a cremation and, no funeral service is scheduled.

11/25/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Andrew Harris, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and respected member of his community. Robert left this world peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 77.

Born on September 19, 1948, in Mission, Kansas, Robert’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and love. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Germany where he worked on the Hawk Anti-Aircraft missile systems. His time in the Army shaped his leadership and resilience—qualities that later defined his successful career and personal life.

After his military service, Robert poured his heart into building DJS Photography and Custom Framing, a small business in Independence, Kansas, which he operated for 42 years. Through weddings, proms, senior portraits, family reunions, and the beloved Neewollah festival, Robert captured countless memories for his community. His commitment extended beyond business—he was a faithful servant of his church, always ready to lend a hand, whether fixing a roof, mowing the lawn, or sharing a warm conversation.

In 1970, Robert married the love of his life, Mary Ann, and together they created a home filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering love. Family was Robert’s greatest joy. He was immensely proud of his son Chase, adored his daughters Jami and Stephanie, and his grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them all.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey Justus Harris and Alberta Harris, and his sister Judy Barnes. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, and love that will live on through his family and all who knew him. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Ann, son Chase (Cristy), and daughters Jami (Jeff) and Stephanie (Steve), and beloved grandchildren Justus, Quinten, Breeleigh, Leah, Sophie, Ethan, Wyatt, and Lilyana.

A memorial service celebrating Robert’s life will begin at 2 p.m. on December 13, 2025, at Church of Christ, 401 S 11th St, Independence, KS. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring a man whose life touched so many.

11/25/2025

Teresa Jo McClain, 67, of Lansing, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at home. She was born Nov. 7, 1958, in Smithville, Mo., the daughter of Gary Lee Cofer and JoAnn Simmons.

On Nov. 12, 2025, Teresa married William Scott Brown. She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Heather Willson and Katherine Lee McClain; step-children, Jeffrey Brown and Brandi Rader; siblings, Michael Cofer, Theresa Lynn Shwartz and Howard Kentner; grandchildren, Maggie Jo Harding, Melanie, Thresa, Ronald, Brandon, Robert and Nevaeh Wilson, Chase Harding and Seth Rader; and great grandchildren, Chance, Chaston, Ella, Natalie, Grace, Jayce, Hayden, Paisley, Britayn, Jameson, Khalie and Westyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Cremation to follow.

11/24/2025

Donald Patrick Carroll, 86, of Leavenworth, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 15, 1939, in DeSmet, S.D., the son of Thomas Hugh and Elizabeth Theresa (Pitman) Carroll.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Hallie Carroll; his second wife, Jill E. Carroll; a daughter, Sharon Nelson; and two brothers, Bill Carroll and Jim Carroll.

Donald is survived by four sons, Jim Carroll, Donald W. (Sue) Carroll, John (Deamie) Carroll and Bill Akeman; and four daughters, Karens K. Carroll, Stacey McCaughey, Sharon Nelson and Bonnie Seehase; a sister, Kay Katherine Tigglar; a brother, Robert Carroll; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and close friends Mick and Donna Lansing.

He served in the United States Army. Donald later went to at Ft. Leavenworth where he retired as a communications engineer after many years.

Donald loved visiting with his family and friends in his free time. He enjoyed working with Mark and Larry Theis and attending auctions. He also enjoyed horses, going to horse shows, going pheasant hunting and fishing.

Visitation beginning with praying the rosary will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Easton, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics or Catholic Charities.

R.L. Leintz Funeral Home

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