Leo Trageser

Leo "Sam" Charles Trageser, 87, of Paola, Kansas, died March 8, 2012 at his home. Sam was born February 20, 1925 at Wea, Kansas. He was the youngest of eight children born to Joseph and Bertha (Schecher) Trageser. He graduated from Wea High School with the Class of 1941. Sam was united in marriage to Irene Schwein on July 12, 1951 at Wea, Kansas. They became the parents of two children, Cheryl and Jerry. He served his country in the military for 25 years. His military career began in the Army and later the Army Air Corps during World War II. His call for duty was re-activated and he then served with the Unites States Air Force as a pilot during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He had earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was honorably discharged in June of 1968. After his retirement from the military, he worked for 15 years with Rural Water District #2 in Johnson County. He retired from the water district in 1988. Being an aviation enthusiast, flying was one of Sam"s favorite hobbies. He also enjoyed the farm life, raising livestock and growing crops on his 50 acre farm. He was an avid supporter of all military causes. Family gatherings also brought him much joy. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene who died in 2008, his parents, one brother John, and two sisters Josephine Holtgraver and Adeline Henry. He is survived by his daughter Cheryl Trageser of Osawatomie; his son Jerry Trageser and his wife Marty of Bellevue, Nebraska; one brother Gene Trageser of Wea; three sisters Mildred Noel of LaCygne, Edith Seck of Paola, and Mary Elizabeth Lafoon of Kansas City; and three grandchildren Jeremy, Christopher and Latasha Trageser. Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Rosary Cemetery of Wea or the Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Paola. Holy Trinity Catholic Church Service: Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM Visitation: Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM