Obituary of Leland Lampe

Leland Edwin Lampe was born on September 10, 1919, to Henry and Lydia (Walz) Lampe at the family farm southwest of St. Francis, KS. He was the second oldest of five children. He passed away on September 5, 2009 (just 5 days from his 90th birthday). He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Lutheran church all of his life. Leland grew up on the family farm helping his dad farm with horses, raising livestock and helping with chores. He shucked corn by hand and pitched wheat into the thrashing machine for other people. After the depression, he was drafted into the Army on November 16, 1942 to serve in World War II. He was in the European Theater where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry where he was in four major battles (Normandy on D-Day, Ardenners/Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe). He received numerous award medals (Silver Star for gallantry in action, Purple Heart , Good Conduct, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Distinguished Unit badge Presidential Citation, Two arrows for two combat glider landings and one invasion arrow for Normandy, the European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medals ). Leland was wounded just as the war ended and was sent to Denver, CO to Fitzsimmons Army hospital where he spent seven months. Leland received his medical discharge on December 12, 1945, and returned home to work on the family farm. Leland was married to Joyce Bracelin on December 20, 1945, in St. Francis KS and to this union three daughters were born, Sareda, Darla and Shauna. In 1959 the family moved to a farm nine miles northwest of Kanorado, KS and resided there until 1980 when they moved to Burlington, CO. Leland raised wheat, corn, sugar beets and other crops and retired from farming in 1990. He then had time for the things he enjoyed: hunting, fishing and watching ball games. He also enjoyed going to the coffee shop to visit with his buddies and to stay up on the local activities. Leland was always willing to help his family, friends and neighbors. He greatly enjoyed his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. Leland had a great love for his creator and savior. Over the years, Leland held numerous officer positions in the church and always enjoyed fellowship with Christian friends. Leland was a lifetime member of the Goodland V.F.W. and D.A.V.. He later transferred his membership to the Burlington V.F.W .. Leland was very proud of his military past and could always be seen wearing and displaying the Airborne logo. Preceding Leland in death are sister Ella and brother Harvey. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Sareda and husband Larry Johnson of Frederick, daughter Darla and husband Don Carroll of Magalia, CA, daughter Shauna and husband Dean Schreiter of Burlington. Also survived by grandson Lance Johnson and wife Katie and children, Brooklyn, Reid and Bayntun; grandson Brendon Johnson and wife Julie and children Jessica and Ava; grandson Justin Schreiter and granddaughter Sydnee Schreiter. Leland is survived by his sisters Nina Raile of St. Francis, KS, Frances Orth of Burlington, CO and sister-in-law Alice Lampe of St. Francis, KS. What a great and generous man Leland was. Our country, our family and friends are honored to have had Leland as a part of our lives. Funeral services for Leland were held on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington with Pastor Bill Viergutz officiating. Burial with military honors was held in the St. Francis Cemetery in St. Francis, KS at 1:00 PM. Memorials may be made in Leland’s name to the Burlington VFW or to the Trinity Lutheran Church and may be left at or sent to the Bank of the West in Burlington.