Leander H. Feldkamp, 89, of Centralia, KS, died late Friday evening, September 12, 2008, at Life Care Center in Seneca.

He was born August 19, 1919, one of eight children of Frederick and Dorthea Olberding Feldkamp. He grew up southwest of Seneca and attended Sherman School near Seneca. He was a farmer and a stockman his entire life.

Leander was a veteran of World War II, achieving the rank of technical sergeant with U.S. Army Air Force.

On February 27, 1946, he married Esther M. Quinlan at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. They made their home on a farm one mile east and a half mile north of Centralia. His wife of 40 years died on February 13, 1985.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, the Centralia Post #216 of the American Legion, and the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served on the Illinois Township Board for many years and operated the road maintenance equipment for the township.

Leander loved to dance, even having friends over to polka dance in the garage. He enjoyed woodworking and playing cards, and treasured the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Robert, James, Kenneth, and Gerald, all of Centralia, Steven of Salina, and Edward of Manhattan; his two daughters, Jeanette Heinen of Silver Lake and Mary Kay Feldkamp of Greenleaf; a special friend, Mary Ann Hunninghake; four brothers, Raymond of Manhattan, KS, Lloyd of Seneca, Elmer and Richard, both of Baileyville; a sister, Cynthia Koch of Baileyville; 24 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph; a sister, Carmelita Koch; and a brother, Conrad.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Monday, September 15, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial with full military honors will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Leander’s memory to Twin Valley Developmental Center in Greenleaf or Sts. Peter & Paul Church, and sent in care of the family.