Len Kobelt

Leonard Perry Kobelt, 67, a resident of rural Buffalo, Kansas, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at his home after a long bout with cancer. He was born March 16, 1941, in Elmhurst, Illinois, the son of Roy Walter and Betty Jane (Perry) Kobelt. Len grew up in Altoona and graduated from Altoona Rural High School. Following his love of baseball, he became a Wichita State University Shocker, pitching on the baseball team. He was also offered a spot on the AAA St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, but made the choice of pursuing his education. He was graduated from WSU in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Len had many loves and hobbies throughout his life. He was a founding and lifetime member of the National Foundation Quarter Horse Association and the Masonic Lodge. He loved to play golf, ride his motorcycle and play poker with his buddies every week. He built model trains and radio controlled planes, as well as being a certified pilot, flying his own planes for many years. Len was known for his championship horse-pulling teams and won many honors throughout his life. He retired from Cessna Aircraft in Independence, Kansas. On November 7, 1999, in Maui, Hawaii, he married Nell Joy. She survives at their home. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Nell, include: Two daughters: Gretchen Manus of Leavenworth, Kansas Jennifer Morrissey of Brownsburg, Indiana Three sons: Clay Kobelt of Plymouth, Indiana Clint Kobelt of Keosauqua, Iowa Will Kobelt of Monticello, Iowa One brother: Bill Kobelt of Georgetown, Indiana Thirteen Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Kobelt. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Timmons Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Benefiel officiating. A memorial has been established in Len"s name with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and donations may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.