Peter Leibham

Oct 20, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 27 comments

Peter Joseph Leibham passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Selz, Russia to Joseph and Emma (Scherr) Leibham in 1940. Pete immigrated to America from Germany with his mother Emma and brother Frank in 1952. He was proud to join the US Army and served in Augsburg, Germany with the First Battle Group of the 19^th Infantry Division. He took a 30 day leave to come to Wichita, KS in 1962 to become a naturalized American citizen. Pete enjoyed a long and successful career in sales and was respected by both peers and customers. All were his friends.

Pete loved golf and all the antics to go with it, KU basketball and football games with tailgating, dancing and leading Grand marches. He also loved to meticulously manicure his lawn and wash his car! He was truly the life of the party. Pete fell in love with St. James Academy and was a regular at all events.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Patricia Billinger Leibham, and his son Darrin Leibham. He is survived by his wife, Karla, his son, Peter Jr (Wendy), his daughter, Kirsten (Chris) Parker, and grandchildren Henry and Grace Parker, brother Frank (Martha) Leibham, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 pm Thursday, Oct. 22 at St. Paul Catholic Church 21650 W. 115th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66061 Family and friends are invited for a Covid-friendly Celebration of Life from 4:30 – 6:30 at St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

0 0 votes

Article Rating

27 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Lana Charles

2 years ago

Love you Karla and all your family. Bless you. Pete was a wonderful man we all admired.
Much love and hugs.
Lana, Jana, fern and husbands

Gene Schreiner

2 years ago

It was so good to met Pete when he joined the Serra Club in 2018 and remember some stories of when we grew up in Collyer and when Peter came to St. Michael’s Catholic School. He soon became someone for me to look up to. God bless Pete. I hope and pray he is seeing the face of Jesus.

Paul Wilde

2 years ago

Brother Pete. “You can always have a Chicken Biscuit after a Hang Ten”. Your Lasting Friend,
Dr. Paul

Ken Nicholas

2 years ago

I was deeply saddened about Pete’s passing, RIP my friend, may God bless you and grant you eternal peace.

Amanda Appl

2 years ago

So sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for all of you. Amanda Appl and family

Ellen Balke-Jones and family

2 years ago

So very sorry to hear of you loss, Karla. I hope in the eternal rest of God and pray that Pete Is celebrating with Jesus.

Everett Jones. EJ

2 years ago

I will truly miss your friendship!?️‍♀️

Everett Jones. EJ

2 years ago

I will truly miss our friendship.?️‍♀️

Maureen Huppe

2 years ago

Karla,
I know you will miss him so much he was such a great and fun guy to be around. He always lit up a room and made everyone laugh. You have a wonderful family and he will certainly be missed.

Roger and Nadyne Jackson

2 years ago

Karla and fam;ily,

Our prayers are with you. Because of health reasons, we are unable to attend services. Blessings and prayers, Roger and Nadyne Jackson

Terry and Sue Carter

2 years ago

Karla you and your family are in our prayers. Pete was truly a remarkable man and he will be missed.

Karen Hopson

2 years ago

Karla, Pete was such a bright light to everyone! He will be missed a great deal. Prayers to you and your family!

Relynn Reynoso

2 years ago

Lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family Karla! Know he will be missed!

Jimmy and Brittany Carter

2 years ago

Karla,
We were so sorry to learn of this news. Our prayers are with you and your family. Pete, was a wonderful man and the world will definitely miss him.

michelle olson

2 years ago

Karla
I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Susie Coultis

2 years ago

Karla, I am so sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. We will keep you all in our prayers! Susie and Vince Coultis

Lisa Blaes

2 years ago

Karla, sending you all my love and continued prayers for your family!!!
In Christ’s Peace and His Friendship,
Lisa Blaes

Joan and Phil Cansler

2 years ago

Sweet Pete,
You lived well and were well loved.
You will be forever missed.

John L Caton

2 years ago

God bless you Pete and eternal peace to you. I had the pleasure of meeting Pete through Karla who helped our children at St. Anns. I then had the pleasure of playing golf with Pete in a number of charity golf tournaments and other outings and always enjoyed his company. Some people say the only reason I play golf with people is that I can have a 4 hour audiance of people to talk to. One of the other reasons I loved Pete is he is the only man I knew who could talk more than I did.

Karla and family there are some people in life who have had the pleasure of living a life of significance. Pete was one of those people. Pete loved other people and we all felt his love. I thank you for sharing him with all of us who knew his love.

Karla I hope you the children and grandchildren will find peace with the passing of Pete. His spirit will be with each of you every day. In the meantime keep speading his loving spirit and joy he gave to so many of us.

Good luck, good heath and God bless!
John and Claudia Caton

ELSIE M LOEVENSTEIN

2 years ago

Hi Karla, I am deeply sorry to hear of Pete’s death. We missed his presence at the last several class reunions. He had such an upbeat personality. I had many wonderful conversations with him over the years. Know he was successful in his sales career and a loving husband and father to you and your children. He left this life too soon, surely his inspirational spirit will be missed by all who knew him. I have some German language background, so felt that connection-was amazed at how fluent he was, speaking the English language. What a blessing that his mother brought him to Quinter, KS where Pete was welcomed into our high school, graduating with our class of 1958!
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you and your family, Elsie Loevenstein

Gail Daly

2 years ago

Karla, I don’t know if you will remember me or not. I worked with Pete 47 years ago at Thies Packing. I enjoyed working with Pete. I really enjoyed being part of the group (Gary and Helen Woodrow and Marva and Dave Ware). I’m so sorry for your loss will be thinking of you and your family.

Greg Schell

2 years ago

My condolences, Karla, on the loss of your husband. My wife and I will be praying for you and for all of your family.

Rich Ziegler

2 years ago

So sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. Although I was younger than Pete I have vivid memories with him at St Michaels Parochial School; he was the only guy that could kick a football over our school; that was very impressive…. we enjoyed many god times and German meals with Pete out at our farm. Condolences to you, your family.

Phyllis (Jacobitz) LaVigne

2 years ago

So sorry to read about Peter. My condolences to the whole family. I was older than he, but we had a good time. Actually, he was a pest many times. I am speaking of the 50’s, so as you see we go away back. Actually his brother Frank was a year ahead of me in school. Be at peace knowing he is in a better place. May God Bless you all.

Darlene Pesek

2 years ago

Let us pray and console. Karla, you were transparent and impartial as we knew you as our Principal at Holy Spirit. You had so much compassion and energy! Our children: Emily and Mark forever love and appreciate you. Robert and I will forever be grateful and pray for your journey forward. God bless! Robert, Darlene, Emily and Mark.

Kate Wood

2 years ago

I don’t know your dad, Kirsten, but the pictures and the obituary are just filled with joy! I smile to think about the awesome memories you must have. I wish for your family the peace that passes all understanding.

Vic Daubert

2 years ago

“In loving memory of Pete Leibham. I remember him from working with him at Theis Packing Co in Great Bend. Whenever you saw Pete he always greeted you with a smile. Such a great guy. It was always good to see him. He will be missed. My condolences to Karla and family. Vic ”

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

"Thanks for all your wonderful help. To do what you did in such a short period of time was truly amazing. It sure made us feel good to know all of the details were being taken care of very professionally."

Mark R.

"Thank you for all you did to make Dallas' memorial and celebration of his life a good day for our family. Your kindness will never be forgotten."

Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

"Thank you so much for opening your heart up to our family."

Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

"I feel so lucky to have been able to know you a little and work with you for the funeral of our mom. You were everywhere and it was a comfort to us to turn her over to you, knowing you would treat her with loving kindness. Thank you so much."

Susan W.

"I recently had an opportunity to use your services after my father and step-mother died within a 7 week period. Because I had dealt with Michelle Parks previously when my mother-in-law died, I contacted her when the need arose. I could not have been more pleased with my experience. Dad wanted to be cremated and Mom wanted a traditional burial with a casket. I sat down with Michelle each time in your beautiful facility and she made it easy for me to understand the options as she gently guided me through the process. She covered all the bases in one sitting and I was impressed with the very competitive price structuring of your services."

"Michelle was absolutely fabulous each time. I felt that I received very personal service and she was available to answer my questions at any hour. She was understanding, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about her industry. I am hoping to take a break from your services for a while, but when the need arises again, I will call Signature Funerals."

Bryan C. Nelson M.D.

"Even though the passing of my father was a traumatic experience as would be expected, working with Cathy Boomer and the team at Signature Funerals, made the entire experience one to be cherished and remembered in only the most positive of lights. From the time hospice was called in to assist my father and our family through his final transition, to the planning and actual day of his service Signature Funerals handled every detail. In particular Cathy Boomer displayed an innate and unique ability to explain each and every step, being very careful not to overwhelm us during a very fragile time for our family. Looking back on this, it is evident that this is not only an important piece if ensuring a pleasant experience, but that it is a fine line that I believe is not necessarily shared by all that provide the type of service as Signature Funerals. The time that Cathy and the spent with us in the days leading up to my father’s service was focused on anticipating things we may not have thought of, things we needed to know as well as understanding what was important to our family and my father to ensure the service truly did honor his life."

"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group