Leon Andrew Weigel

Leon Andrew Weigel, 83, of Lakewood, CO passed away on January 16th after a brief illness. He was born on February 17, 1941, on a farm outside of Victoria Kansas. The second of seven children born to George and Josephine (Geist) Weigel.
As a young child Leon moved with his family to a farm outside of Ellis Kansas. He spent his childhood and young adult years there working on the farm and for neighboring farmers. It was during this time that Leon learned his work ethic that was passed on to each of his children. In 1963 Leon joined the Army. He served his country until 1966. During this time he became a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne. He would later tell stories of this time in the army and even teach his young grandchildren alternate lyrics to songs which they still sing today.
After leaving the Army Leon settled in Ness City Kansas to begin the next chapter of this life. There he met Patty Gabel. On September 2, 1967, Leon and Patty were married in Ness City. Soon after their marriage they decided to see what the world had to offer and moved to Denver Colorado. There they grew their family to include two daughters and a son.
It was in Denver where Leon found his calling. He began working as a carpenter. An occupation which would span over 40 years and see him as both an employee and as an owner of Weigel Home Builders. Although his paid job was a carpenter there wasn't anything he couldn't do. Through the years he was a mechanic, electrician, plumber, and overall handy man both in his home and later on in the homes of his children. He was also known for his ability to modify items to fit what he needed or how he thought they should work. From a modified noodle maker which was quicker and easier to use to a new longer handle for the wagon to pull the grandkids, he always figured out a way to make it work.
His children were some of his greatest joys. Although it wasn't his way to tell them, he was quick to share his pride in them with others. Leon was always there for his kids when they needed something. From jump starting a car in the snow before school, to changing a tire on the side of the interstate during rush hour, or to building a shed in the back yard the size of a small house, he always helped his kids.
As life went on Leon was able to travel with Patty and his family to many places in the United States. Some of his favorites were Hawaii and Florida, where he was able to share Disney World with his grandkids. He was able to make a lifelong dream come true when he went to Germany. He was like a kid in a candy store when he got to drive on the Autobahn with no speed limit. His grin was from ear to ear.
Leon had a unique sense of humor with a quick wit and snappy comebacks. Many times, after a comeback, he would be asked if he stayed up at night thinking of these things or how long he had been holding that one. He would just give you his cheeky grin, a little laugh and say, "It just came to me".
Boy did Leon love his grandkids. They were always able to wrap Grandpa around their little fingers and no one better tell them "No" around him. He could be found in the
audience or bleachers of concerts, award presentations, soccer games, dance competitions, baseball games and softball games. And he enjoyed every minute.
Leon will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Patty, of the home, daughters LaVonne and Kay (Les) Nelson of Lakewood Colorado, son Craig (Bobbie) of Golden Colorado and 5 grandchildren. A private interment with military honors will take place at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.
Wir wuenschen euch ein
glueckliches Neues Jahr,
ein langes Leben,
Gesundheit,
Friede und Einigkeit,
und nach dem Tod,
die ewige Glueckseligkeit.