Leonard Rempel Goossen

eonard Rempel Goossen was born to Ben and Clara Rempel Goossen on March 6, 1948, in Morris, Manitoba. He arrived unexpectedly ten minutes after his twin brother Lloyd. His final breath and peaceful departure, surrounded by family, was at Western Prairie Senior Living on June 3, 2024. His passing was a result of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He was seventy-six.

Leonard’s school and teenage years were marked with happiness. He received his eight years of formal education at Clover Plains School, having the same teacher for all eight years. A sharp memory served him well in recounting his adventurous childhood.

Upon hearing the call of the Lord, Leonard surrendered his will and by faith accepted Christ as his Savior. Peace with God was always his most guarded possession. He was baptized by his uncle Walter Goossen on February 15, 1960, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

He found his life’s companion in Bertha Toews. On October 18, 1970, they were united in marriage by Minister Cecil Unruh at Copeland, KS. Their special day was shared as a double wedding with Leonard’s twin brother and Bertha’s sister. In June of 1974, as a young married couple, dad and mom left Rosenort, Manitoba and moved to Ulysses, KS. Six children were born to this union. Our parents’ home was orderly and well structured. Dad had a keen perception of the needs of his children and grandchildren. The tender feelings he had for us was a reflection of his mellow heart. The most tragic event of our parent’s lives was the death of our sister, Marita, in 1996. Their married life spanned fifty-three years.

Our father’s enthusiasm for watchmaking began as a teenager. He completed a correspondence course from the Chicago School of Watchmaking. He graduated as a master watchmaker when he was nineteen, enabling him to make clock and watch repair the highlight of his career. Also sowing wheat in the fall of the year and the subsequent harvest reflected his love of nature.

Minister L. John Becker ordained our father into the deaconry in 1989. His deaconry path was as varied as it was fulfilling. Serving in the community, in the home congregation, or on conference boards showcased his kindness and hospitality. He shared his practical advice with many. He was equally quick with a witty remark, a listening ear, or giving thoughtful advice. His love for people was foundational and the cornerstone for his years of unselfish service.

“The greatest gift we ever had came from God, and we call that gift Dad.” His physical body is no longer ticking, but his chime will always ring in our hearts.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bertha; sons, Timothy and Lucinda of Ronan, Montana, Warren and Melanie, and Lonnie and Rebekah; daughters, Janell and Verle Koehn, and Loretta and Todd Nichol all of Ulysses; twin brother, Lloyd of Greensburg; brothers, Alvin and LeRoy; and sister, Eileen Peters all of Rosenort, Manitoba, Canada; 22 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Clara; daughter, Marita Beth; and brother, Paul.

Funeral Service will be, Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Grant Mennonite Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Minister Denton Koehn, Minister Stuart Jantzen and Minister Robert Goossen officiating. Interment will follow at the Grant Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to Western Plains Christian School in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.