Leander G. Steinlage, 55, of Centralia, Kansas, died Friday, July 19, 2002, at his home.

He was born May 24, 1947, in Axtell, Kansas, the son of Henry and Loretta Wessel Steinlage. Leander grew up on the family farm near Corning, graduated from Corning Grade School, and from the Corning High School in 1965. As a young man he farmed with his dad. He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard in Marysville, KS and attained the rank of Sergeant E5. In 1968 his unit was activated for duty at Fort Carson, Colorado. After his discharge from active duty in November of 1969, he continued to train with the National Guard.

On November 23, 1968, he married Carol Sudbeck at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. She survives of the home. They lived on a farm south of Centralia for a year before moving to their present location southeast of Centralia, where they farmed and raised livestock. From 1983 to 1988 Leander was a custom wheat harvester, working across the wheat belt from Texas into Wyoming. In 1988 he started working for Keim Trucking Service in Sabetha, first in the mechanic shop, then later as a driver in the area. In 1990 he became a long-haul trucker and enjoyed driving throughout the United States.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and the Arthur L. Mills Post #37 of the American Legion, where he always participated in the Memorial Day services, both in Corning. Leander liked farming and doing mechanic work. Family gatherings were special times, and he especially liked dancing.

Survivors besides his wife Carol are a son, David Steinlage of Des Moines, Iowa; four daughters, including twins, Angela Conklin of Topeka and Karla Lueger of Shawnee, and Barbara Steinlage of Mission, and Janet Reinecke, also of Shawnee; a brother, Gerard Steinlage of Corning; four sisters, Theresa Mulryan, Joann Dawdy, and Rosemary Spangler, all of Topeka, and Mary Kay Hermesch of Goff; and five grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with full military honors by the Corning American Legion. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for St. Patrick’s Church or the American Legion in Corning, and sent in care of the family.