Leslie Owen Rubottom

Leslie Owen Rubottom, 71, of Alma, Kansas, died Saturday, October 7, 2023, at his home.  He was a long-time resident of the community.

Les was born on July 9, 1952, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Milton Vestal and Mariel (Holt) Rubottom.  He attended local grade school and graduated in 1970 from Alma High School.  Les then served for four years in the United States Air Force.  He was stationed in Germany, Louisiana and Florida.  Following his military service, he attended and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University.

Les’ entire career as an electrical engineer was for companies that worked with military electronics.  He worked for Motorola in Scottsdale, Arizona for 12 years, for Flexel in Kansas for 4 years and finally for Honeywell in Kansas City for 22 years.  He retired in 2020.

Les was a member of the Heartland Corvette Club and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was a member of the Northeast Bassmasters.  He served as a Boy Scout Leader, coached his son’s baseball team, and was involved with a mentoring program at Wabaunsee High School. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Les was a collector of stamps, coins and gemstones. He was known for his large Iris garden, helped at the K-State garden and was a member of the Flint Hills Iris Society.  He also had a passion for decorating his home with Christmas lights each year.  Les’ family was very important to him, and he loved attending as many of his grandchildren’s activities as possible.

Les married Diana Moege in Alma on August 5, 1972.  After spending over fifty-one years together, Diana survives at their home.

Les is also survived by his son, Eric Rubottom (Erin), of Fort Collins, Colorado, and his daughter, Ginger Ruhnke (Matt), of St. George; his grandchildren, Camilla, Jori, Luke, and Rylan; his sister, Marilyn Garrison (Larry), of Alma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  Les was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Rubottom.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 13, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma.  Reverend Robert Grimm will be officiating.  Burial will follow in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.  Les will lie-in-state on Thursday, beginning at 3:00 pm at the church, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  They suggest memorial contributions to either St. Croix Hospice or St. John Lutheran Church, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.