BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Leonard Eugene Niedens died in his home on Oct. 20, 2018 in Bakersfield, Calif. due to ongoing health issues. He was 83.
Leonard was born on Aug. 7, 1935 near Susank , Kan. to his parents, Emanuel (Mac) and Othelia (Tilly) Niedens. He spent his childhood in Hoisington, Kan. and graduated from Hoisington High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S.Navy and after 20 years of service in the Navy he retired as Chief Petty Officer. He then returned to Hoisington, Kan. to work as Service Manager at Manweiler Chevrolet in Hoisington until 1986. Leonard and his wife of 45 years, Marla Scott Niedens, moved to Phoenix, Ariz. and later to Payson, Ariz. to enjoy retirement. They again relocated to Bakersfield, Calf. and have lived there since 2007.
Leonard was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. We were so thankful to have him in our lives and will miss him immensely. Memories of Leonard will include his smile, kind words, humor, hugs and of course, his kisses. He had a passion for golfing, hunting, woodworking, and napping. We are sure those are all on his “to do” list in heaven. He was looking forward to being reunited with his father and mother and we’re sure they were there to greet him. Hope his mother made him plenty of bierocks.
Leonard is survived by his wife Marla Niedens of Bakersfield, Calif.; his sister and brother-in-law Carol and John Clark of Hoisington, Kan. and their daughters Mindy and Meagan; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kari Niedens of Brookings, Ore. and their four sons, Hunter, Mason, Hayden and Evan; his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Dennis Lucas of Las Vegas, Nev.; his son and daughter-in-law, Mitch and Gina Niedens of Buckeye, Ariz. and their children, Aliza, Kolton, Jenna and Jesse; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Jim Gipson of Bakersfield, Calif. and their two daughters, Kimberly and Amanda; his daughter and son-in-law, Jacque and Dan Slocum of Newnan, Ga. and their children Sarah and Jonathan; and his great grandsons Chase and Gage.
Immediate family gathered at the family home in Bakersfield, Calif. and a memorial service will be scheduled for a later date in Hoisington, Kan.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 4, 2018
