January 31, 1933 ~ June 14, 2019
Leon Harold Jenista, 86, of Caldwell, KS passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Kansas Heart Hospital on Friday, June 14, 2019.
Leon was born on January 31, 1933 to Harry and Edith (Skvor) Jenista at Caldwell, KS. He was joined in marriage to Barbara Schlottog on August 5, 1956 at the Corbin United Methodist Church in Corbin, KS. This union was blessed with four children, Randy, Sandra, Cynthia, and Barbara Lynn.
Leon graduated from Caldwell High School with the class of 1951. He attended Garden City Community College where he played football. He served in the Sp. Tng BN 10th Inf. Division in Fort Riley, KS. He was active in the Korean War and was honored with several medals of honor. He then continued to serve in the Army Reserve.
He loved truck driving which started at a young age for the Jenista Brother’s Propane Company, various other companies, and retiring from Doonan Peterbilt Truck and Equipment in 2008. He also farmed for several years and operated a custom combining crew from Kansas to North Dakota. He spent time working in farming in western Kansas.
He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play, teasing them, and attending their activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edith, brother Harry Jr., daughter-in-law Helen Jenista, son-in-law J. T. Kelso, granddaughter Brittany Nispel, and great-granddaughter Mattison Hadley Peterson.
Barbara of the home survives. He is also survived by children, Randy Jenista, Sandra Kelso, Cynthia Jenista, and Barbara Lynn (Dick) Knowles. Grandchildren, Jodi (Aimee) Jenista, Craig (Erin) Idacavage, Michael Kelso, Thomas Kelso, Margaret (James) Peterson, Lynn (Curt) Marshall, John Ed (Deanna) Kelso, Scot (Deb) Kelso, Kelly (Mike) Davert, Allyson Krenek, Kelsey (Drew Lupton) Krenek, Austen (Shira) Krenek, Chandra (Matt) Harrison, Nick Nispel, Shanna Fairbanks, and Shelby (Matt) Metcalf. Great-grandchildren, Sam Eldredge, Hadley and Jayden Idacavage, Dustin Koehn, Dylan Kelso, Andy Marshall, Christian Kenney, Remington, Ravan, Kieran, and Kelian Peterson, Caleb, Jayce, and Jax Noyes, Blane and Brinzlee Krenek, Kaden Morgan, Lauren and Raylen Harrison, Cade and Crosby Fairbanks, and Presley, Harper, and Hayes Metcalf. Brother, Marion Jenista, and nieces, Shaleen Duell, and Janelle Urista. Brother’s-in-law, Garry (Janice) Schlottog, Charles (Barb) Schlottog, sister-in-law Jeannette Schlottog.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18. 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Caldwell, Kansas. Interment will be in the Corzine Cemetery, Corbin, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in memory of Leon to the Sumner County Hospital District #1 or to the Caldwell Senior Center and may be left in care of the mortuary.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Barb and kids,
Kathie Henton - 06/15/2019
I am so surprised and sad to see about Leon! Prayers for you all that the Lord comfort you in this time of sadness.
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Dear Barb and family
Debbie Kolarik ... - 06/16/2019
I was so surprised and saddened to read this , One of my other Dad's,..Loved that Leon. Thinking of ya'll and praying for comfort during this time
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Rest Leon, until you hear at
Harry Simpson - 06/16/2019
Rest Leon, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
