LeRoy J. Stoecklein was born October 7, 1933, the 11th of 12 children and the son of Anton A. and Rosa (Ruder) Stoecklein. He passed away November 26, 2015 at the age of 82, at Cedar Village Long Term Care, Ness City, Kansas.

He married Delores Kippes who preceded him in death in August, 1955. Delores died in childbirth. He then married Cora Walter, October 19, 1957. To this union were born three children: Rick, Randy and Cheri Lynn.

LeRoy was a veteran for the United States Army, serving in Korea during the Korean Conflict as an Army Engineer from August 1953, to August 1955. He also worked for the Air Force.

After his discharge from the Army, he was a meat cutter for Ira Farmer Grocery Store in Great Bend for two years. After the death of Delores he moved to a farm in Ness County. After the drought, LeRoy moved off the farm and worked for the County for two years operating heavy equipment. After his employment with the County, he went to work for six years for Leo Franz at the Locker, which was located in southwest Ness City. He became the owner of LeRoy's Mr. AG Grocery Store for eight years. The store was located next to was Kelly Wydick's cafe. After selling the store, he began trucking for Perry Traxler hauling silage for 15 years. During those 15 years, he never suffered an accident.

LeRoy served on the Ness City Council for four years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Council No. 2624. He was also a member of Frank Stull Post No. 152 American Legion, Ness City, and the Ransom V.F.W. Post No. 7972.

LeRoy was always available to go the extra mile when helping Sacred Heart School in collection and organizing the Box Tops for Education. At Mardi Gras time, he was instrumental in stapling and stuffing drawing tickets that were available for distribution for the annual event. For years, every Memorial Day he would place the poppies on the sprays that were placed on the graves of deceased veterans at the cemeteries. Later on, the sprays were placed on the individual flag poles at the cemeteries.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Cora Stoecklein, Ness City; sons, Rick (Sophie) Stoecklein, Ness City, Randy (Camille) Stoecklein, Ness City; daughter Cheri Lynn (Rick) Fagen, Hodgeman County; brother, Rich (Bea) Stoecklein, Olathe; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Delores Kippes; four sisters; and six brothers.

Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29 from 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Vigil at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Sunday, November 29, 6:30 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City, Monday, November 30, 2015, 11:00 A.M.

Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness City.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sacred Heart School, or Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness City.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by signing the guest book below.