Harry Robben Ledecker

Robben Ledeker Obituary
Harry Robben Ledeker left this earth on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Born May 14, 1925, Ledeker was 100 years old and the last surviving WWII veteran of Arkansas City, Kansas. Son of William and Mazy Ledeker, Robben and his siblings, Bill and Sue, were third generation Ark Citians. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1943. Following his graduation at age 18, he was drafted into the Navy where he served in the South Pacific until the end of WWII. He then returned to Ark City where he married his sweetheart, Wilma Tanquary, on August 27, 1947. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M University in 1948 with degree in business. Robben and Wilma returned to Ark City where they raised their daughters, Cathy and Ann, and continued to live out the remainder of their lives.
In 1950, Robben was called back to The Korean Conflict. Following this, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserves where he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Always a true patriot, Robben was proud of his service and held great respect for fellow servicemen and women, young and old, from all branches of the military. At the age of 96, he wore his dress blues when honored as Grand Marshall in both the Arkalalah Parade in Arkansas City, Kansas, and the 4th of July Parade in Creede, Colorado. A disciplined soldier, Robben often played taps on his native flute before bedtime. The poignant melody floating over the end of day quiet was a tradition deeply loved by family and friends, often bringing a tear to the eye of those listening.
Ledeker became Superintendent of The APCO Pipeline in 1967. Over the years, he was able to provide good jobs to many locals. After retiring from the Pipeline in 1990, Robben and Wilma spent their summers in Creede, Colorado, where they built and maintained a small log cabin. Robben loved mountain hiking, 4-Wheeling and socializing with fellow Creede lovers. It was his happy place and the Ledeker cabin remains a family treasure. In keeping with his great sense of humor, in 2022, Robben gleefully announced he had been retired more years than he worked!
Ledeker was a life-long exerciser, often biking to and from work, running competitively and teaching the values of sportsmanship to his daughters and many others. He lived by the rules, knew how to win or lose with grace and how to develop teamwork. In 2015 at the age of 90, he founded the Ark City Pickle Ball League, where all remain welcome to join in fun, exercise and camaraderie. Robben actively played Pickle Ball in Ark City and Creede well into his 97th year. At his 100th birthday party he was seen smacking the Pickle Ball with speed and precision from his wheelchair.
A wonderful husband, father, friend, honrary Rotarian, church member, communitarian and soldier, Robben Ledeker's passing on Veterans Day, followed by a rare appearance in Kansas and Colorado of the Northern Lights, seems a most fitting final salute to this legendary and stalwart member of The Greatest Generation. He will be dearly missed.
Ledeker is survived by his daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. An informal social gathering will take place at the Burford Theatre on Monday, December 1, from 5 to 7pm. Remembrance services will be at The First Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 2, at 2pm with a reception following. All events are open to the public and will take place in Arkansas City, Kansas with all friends and family encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to The First United Methodist Church in Arkansas City or the Friends of Pickle Ball fundraiser at Legacy Regional Community Foundation PO Box 701, Arkansas City, KS, 67005, memo line AC pickleball. Checks made out to the Legacy Foundation.