Merle D. Leners, 82, a Northland resident of Kansas City, Missouri; formerly of Clay Center and Salina, Kansas passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 28, 2023 after battling both cancer and Parkinson’s disease for the last several years. Merle was born December 17, 1940 to Thees and Tina (Eden) Leners in rural Nebraska.
Merle was united in marriage with Suzanne L. Hungerford on April 10, 1964 in Wilcox, Nebraska. From this union they had two sons, Marty and Bradley.
Merle was a devoted husband and father; finding immense joy in spending time with friends and family. Merle spent his working years in the trucking industry for both Ideal Trucking and Lear Siegler in Clay Center and for Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina. Some of his happiest memories were of growing up on the family farm in rural Nebraska and during his retirement years as he and Susie traveled in their RV with their dog Charlie Brown. Merle never met a stranger and was adored by those who knew him.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Susie. He is survived by his two sons: Marty Leners and his wife Yvonne; Bradley Leners and his wife Jana; and five beautiful grandchildren.
As per Merle’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life for both Merle and Susie will be held by the family at a later time. Memories of Merle and condolences may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Merle was my dispatcher at Great Plains, we became close friends through the years! He cared about the drivers, always made sure we made our destination. A kind, caring person and great friend. Merle will be deeply missed.
My heart is saddened by the news of my good friend passing. Merle was not only a great co-worker at Great Plains Trucking in Salina Ks. He was a cherished friend and someone I respected and looked up to. I will miss him and our phone calls.
He was a most dear friend.
Merle and Susie were both so kind and caring . We are sadden to learn of their passing and send our condolences to their family.
Marty, Yvonne and Lauren, we are so sorry for your family’s loss. We will be thinking of your entire family and praying that God graces all of you with peace during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear of Merle and Suzie’s passing. They both were great people, and so full of fun. We looked up to and respected them both, and oh, the stories we all could share!
Our condolences to all of the family – praying for peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
My prayers go out to the entire Leners family. I greatly enjoyed working with Merle on inbound loads for Great Plains Mfg. We always scheduled to sit together with Merle and Suzie at the Great Plains Christmas party dinner.
Merle was a Damn Good Man. Have been talking with him alot last couple years, enjoyed talks. I’m sorry for late response. Been calling didn’t get through. I just found out over weekend. Some for loss,prayes with Family 👪
Moral was my dispatcher at great plains and coworker not only at great plains but also Coleman trucking in Abilene talked to him several times after his retirement. Through the years will miss him greatly a true friend