Ernest E. Leithoff

Funeral services for Ernest E. Leithoff, "Ernie" 58, Junction City, KS will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel with Rev. Paul Wolf officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Highland Cemetery. Mr. Leithoff passed away January 9, 2007 at Geary Community Hospital. Visitation will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. tonight at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington. Memorial contributions may be in his name to KJIL Radio Ministries, P.O. Box 389, Herington, KS 67449.

Ernie was born November 14, 1948 in Ellsworth, KS to Harry H. and Delma L. (Gerbitz) Leithoff, Jr. He grew up in Ellsworth and Junction City, KS. He attended Lutheran School and Junction City High School. Ernie enlisted in the US Marine Corps on November 14, 1965. He served in Vietnam and earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devine, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star with the Combat V. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1969 at the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning to Junction City he was employed in Manhattan and at Ft. Riley DRMO where he retired in 1999. Since retiring Ernie enjoyed fishing, crafting, and working in his shop.

Ernie married Kyong Cha Kim on May 15, 1980 while working in Japan. She survives at the home. Other survivors include one son, David of Herington, KS, two grandsons, two sisters, Marlene Bright, Augusta, GA and Sue Romanelli of Junction City, KS, one brother, Chuck Leithoff of Junction City, KS, four nieces, three nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Leithoff, Don Abbott, Don Bright, James Regouby, Tom Romanelli and Tom Wesoloski.