Wendell P. Leis

Wendell Patrick Leis, age 71, of Yates Center, Kansas, was called home to the Lord on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

Wendell was born on March 17, 1954, in Iola, Kansas, to Florian and Dorothy Leis. He was raised on the family farm, where loving discipline and hard work were part of daily life. Those early lessons became the foundation of the man he grew to be, strong, steady, and guided by faith, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic.

After graduating from Yates Center High School, Wendell attended Fort Scott College where he played football. Later in life, Wendell finished his Associate's Degree at Allen County Community College, while simultaneously working. He devoted his life to agriculture, farming the same land he was raised on, never compromising his belief that "the right way" was the only way to do things. His hard work was as solid as the ground he farmed.

On October 25, 1975, Wendell married the love of his life, Becky, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yates Center, Kansas. The two met the night Becky graduated high school and were engaged by July of that same year. Together, they built a life of devotion, faith, and family on the very farm where Wendell grew up. Over the years, they became known as generous hosts in their community, opening their home with warmth, laughter, and Wendell's famous taco and vegetable soups.

Wendell and Becky raised three children, Patrick, Dusty, and Bridget, and built their lives rooted in faith, honesty, and the value of hard work. Wendell often said, "Do what's right, not what's easy," and he lived by that. His "harsh wisdom" and brutal honesty came from a place of love, teaching his children resilience, self-belief, and how to "build character." For his children, as well as nieces and nephews, his humor, strength, and love for his family and land made him truly "bigger than life."

Nothing brought Wendell more joy than being "Papa" to his eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. From the time they could sit up, he had them helping him with chores, opening gates, learning to drive, making coffee, feeding livestock, and, most importantly, learning his work ethic. All of his grandchildren loved his homemade, famously imperfect, buttermilk pancakes. His granddaughter Ellie, daughter of Bridget, was often called his mirror image, a living reflection of her Papa's spirit and grit.

Wendell was a "mountain of a man," as Becky fondly described him and affectionately called him "Bear", as did many in the community. He never met a stranger and carried a sharp wit known to all who crossed his path. His "Wendellisms", like "Can't never did do nothing" or "That's why my head hurts so much, I have to do all the work and all the thinking," will live on as favorite family quotes for generations to come. Despite the rough exterior, those who knew him best, knew he had a soft heart, as seen in the many times he opened his home to all the stray dogs Becky would often bring back to the farm.

He loved hunting, particularly white-tailed deer, and could often be found in a deer stand alongside Bridget. Wendell was an athlete throughout his youth, receiving All State Basketball honors in high school and playing in the 1972 JUCO National Football Championship Game. He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame and Kansas State University, but an even bigger fan of watching his grandchildren play sports and show pigs.

Wendell's faith was his cornerstone and the foundation on which his life was built. As devoted Catholic, he prayed the rosary every night, no matter how late it was. He'd often tell his kids, "Hit your knees, kids, it's time to chase the beads." His steady devotion and perseverance guided his family and strengthened those who looked up to him.

Wendell's legacy will live on through his family, his land, and his deep commitment to the future of agriculture. Memorials are suggested to the Wendell Leis 4-H Memorial Fund, continuing his lifelong passion for youth education and agricultural growth. Memorial Contributions will support improvements to the Hog Barn at the Woodson County Fairgrounds, where he would spend countless hours working with the youth. Memorial Contributions ensure that Wendell's dedication to hard work and the future of farming continues to guide generations to come. It was his wish to keep that spirit alive, even as he now watches over the hogs and harvest from Heaven.

Wendell is survived by his wife of 50 years, Becky; three children, Patrick and wife Katie Leis, Dusty Leis, and Bridget and husband John Kramer; eight grandchildren, Leah, Adam, Clare, Madeleine, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Ellie, and Eli; one great-grandchild, Liam; 7 Siblings; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Wendell is reunited with his Parents Florian and Dorothy Leis, and other loved ones who have passed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin Oratory Catholic Church in Piqua, Kansas, on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. The Rosary will be recited prior to the service at 10:00 A.M. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at The Venue, located at 1883 Highway 54, Iola, Kansas, 66749.