Leon Vilander

Eskridge-Leon D. Vilander, 81, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2016 at a Topeka Nursing Facility. He was born December 28, 1934 at Maple Hill, the son of Kenneth and Margaret Mitchell Vilander. He was raised on a farm west of Dover and graduated from Dover High School. He served in the United States Army. Leon was a farmer and rancher all of his life, he also was a heavy equipment operator. He worked for Hudson Ranches and Lietz Construction for 30 plus years. Leon was a member of the Dover Federated Church and Jimmy Lillard Post No. 31 of the American Legion at Rossville. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Greg L. Vilander on July 4, 1970. On December 10, 1954 he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Rogers at the Gary Air Force Base Chapel in San Marcos, TX. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, LuAnn Vilander Buchan; two sisters, Lorraine Green and Sharon Hughes; two brothers, Beverly Vilander and Gerold (Hildred) Vilander; two grandchildren, Bridget Buchan and Jesse Buchan and two great-grandchildren, Destiny and Faith Buchan. Memorial services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the Dover Federated Church. Inurnment will be in the Dover Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at the Dover Federated Church Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dover Federated Church and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.