Leon Elbert Wenger

SABETHA- Leon Elbert Wenger, 91, of Sabetha (formally Powhattan) died February 21, 2006, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas. He was a crops specialist, buffalo grass harvester, farmer, Brown County Co-op manager, and volunteer. He was born September 15, 1914, near Powhattan, son of Henry and Audrey Cashman Wenger. He graduated Powhattan High School, 1932, and graduated summa cum laude Kansas State College, 1936. In 1946, he began a career in farming and raising registered livestock near Powhattan. In 1958, he became manager of the Brown County Cooperative, serving for 25 years. He was a master wood worker. He resided in Powhattan, Hays, and Sabetha. He was a member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church where he served as lay leader, Sunday School teacher, and Administrative Board Chairman. He was featured on the February 1952 cover of Successful Farming magazine. He wrote History of Powhattan and the Powhattan Community. On May 27, 1936, he married Mae Jacobsen. She preceded him in death. Survivors include four children: Barbara Strahm, Pawhuska, OK; Anita Pfister, Hutchinson; Richard Wenger, St. Charles, MO; and Kathy Palermo, Kansas City, MO; brothers Keith and Kenneth; sisters Louise and Betty; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 25, at the Powhattan United Methodist Church. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Friday were the family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Memorials to: Powhattan United Methodist Church, the Brown County Historical Society, or the Apostolic Christian Home, care of Chapel Oaks, 124 South 7th, Hiawatha, KS 66434. On line condolences may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com