Leon A. Oberle 1938 - 2025

CLAFLIN — Leon A. Oberle, 87, died Dec. 17, 2025, at HaysMed, Hays, Kan.  He was born Feb. 22, 1938, in rural Barton County, Kan., the son of George and Florentine (Kimpler) Oberle. Leon graduated from Claflin High School in 1956 and then served honorably in the United States Army as a SP4, stationed in Germany.  

On Oct. 2, 1965, he married Judy Schremmer at St. John Catholic Church in Hoisington. This year they celebrated 60 years together. They raised their children in Claflin where Leon worked in the oil field and was the owner of Leon’s Engine & Supply. He later worked as a machinist. He served his community with the Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT. Leon was a life member of the V.F.W., serving as post commander. Upon retirement Leon dedicated his time and skills to his church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he performed about any handyman job or maintenance needed. Leon also enjoyed gardening and woodworking, especially making toys for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Judy of the home; and their five children, Scott (Arlene) Oberle of Greensburg, Beverly (Neil) Frizell of Great Bend, Troy (Robin) Oberle of De Soto, Amy (Nick) Allen of Council Grove, Bruce (Sara) Oberle of Overland Park; 13 grandchildren, Chelsea Brown, Ashlin Oshel, Brooke Varela, Javan Oberle, Anna and Robert Frizell, Magdaline Collins, Abby Long, Bailey Langvardt, Shyanne Allen, Emerson, Isaac, and Easton Oberle; great grandchildren, Josephine and Milo Brown, Waylon Oshel, and Blakely Collins; and four siblings, Jim Oberle of Bushton, Gerald Oberle, Mary Herold, and Tony Oberle, all of Chase. He was preceded in death by his parents; step father Tony; brother Don; an infant brother; and granddaughter Marie Frizell.

Viewing will be Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the church, with Vigil and Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Benjamin Dande. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin, Kan. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 20, 2025