Leland James Stucky

Leland J. Stucky, 91, left his earthly home for an eternity in Heaven, February 15, 2024.

He was born on August 24, 1932, the youngest of eleven children born to Solmon and Celia (Hurlbut) Stucky. Leland was raised on the family farm near Moundridge, Kansas. 

Leland was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and had the title of “Yeoman Petty Officer 3^rd Class”. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA and spent some time in Puerto Rico and Vieques Island. 

On June 18, 1954, Leland married Julie Schmidt in Burns, Kansas. The couple lived in Newton for the rest of their lives. 

For many years Leland worked as a machinist at Hesston Corporation and Moundridge Manufacturing.

Leland enjoyed reading, writing, old cars, history, wild ties and wild socks and talking. He was dedicated member of Meridian Baptist Church since 1967 and loved being an adult Sunday school teacher. 

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Julie, of 68 years; 5 brothers; 5 sisters; and a great-grandson, Deacon Claassen.

He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Dan) Rexroat of Rose Hill and Diane (Daryl) Walter of Newton; four grandchildren, Lori (Nate) Wilson of Hendersonville, TN, Lindsey (Derek) Claassen of Valley Center, Jeff (Joni) Walter of Elbing, and Kelsey (Dan) Thuss of San Francisco, CA; nine great-grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be from 5-9p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Petersen Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Burns First Mennonite Cemetery with a memorial service following at 10:30 a.m. at Meridian Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas. 

 Memorial contributions in Leland’s name may be made to Meridian Baptist Church and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.