GREAT BEND — Leonard George Gerritzen, 84, died Sept. 7 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born Jan. 30, 1928 in Hoisington, he was the son of George Theodore and Hilda Mae (Budig) Gerritzen. A lifetime Barton County resident, he was a 1946 graduate of Hoisington High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. He was a mechanical engineer at Truck Repair, followed by thirty-one years working on large and small engines at JoMax Construction Company until illness forced his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, touring Cheyenne Bottoms, and all types of engineering projects.
Mr. Gerritzen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during World War II from 1946 to 1948, attaining the rank of corporal.  He was especially interested in veterans’ causes like the DAV in Topeka. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and Eagles Aerie 646, all of Great Bend.
Mr. Gerritzen never married, but shared a close relationship with his cousins, Virginia Klepper of Great Bend, Gene Dressler of Wagner, S.D. and special JoMax friends, Pat Peschka, Mike Ingham, Randy and Terri Gorney and other co-workers. He is survived by numerous cousins.
A vigil service was held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral services were scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home with Father Don Bedore officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery with military rites by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. Visitation was held Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Prince of Peace Youth Group or American Legion Argonne Post 180, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by    
Bryant Funeral Home*         
1425 Patton Road       
Great Bend, Ks. 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 9, 2012