Leland A. Pageler

Leland A. “Mutz” Pageler, 82, a lifetime resident of the Wamego and Belvue, KS area, passed away Friday, November 21, 2008 in Boise Idaho where he had recently moved to be closer to his family. He was born August 15, 1926 on the family farm in the Wells Creek community near Belvue, KS, the son of Edward H. and Rosa Maria (Holz) Pageler. “Mutz” attended school at Wells Creek in a one room country school. Following school, he served in the U.S. Army on the South Pacific island of Okinawa earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Leland married Elva Ilene Freel on October 1, 1951 in Huntsville, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2002. He worked most of his life as a meat-cutter. He worked for many years as manager of the Hines Farm Center and also the Nehring Processing Center, both in Wamego. Mutz also worked at the Ft. Riley Commissary, retiring after 20 years of civil service. He was a past member of the Wells Creek Emmanuel United Church of Christ, where he was baptized and confirmed, a member of the St. George Black Jack American Legion for 63 years, a 63 year member of the Wamego VFW, and a past member of the Ft. Riley AFGE Local 2324. Mutz also volunteered as a Scout Leader and treasurer for the Wamego Boy Scout Troop 95 for many years. Survivors include his children and their spouses; Doug and Diane Pageler, of Boise, Idaho, Mike and Connie Pageler, of Mesa, Arizona, and Dana Cohen and her husband Rich, of Niles, Michigan; seven grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. His two brothers, Harold and Harry Pageler preceded him in death. Funeral services for Mr. Pageler will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 28, 2008 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Burial will follow in the Wamego City Cemetery. The family will greet friends during a time of visitation on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Memorials are suggested to the Black Jack American Legion and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, 66547.