Leon W. Praeuner

After a hard-fought battle with an aggressive cancer, Leon Praeuner of Olathe passed away peacefully on May 7, 2022 at the home of his daughter.

Leon was born May 28th in Battlecreek, NE to Father Herman Praeuner and mother Nora Flesner Praeuner who predeceased him. Leon grew up in a loving home on a farm in the Midwest in the middle of nowhere. After graduating high school, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. After meteorology training school in Seattle, WA, he was then stationed in Lyon France for the remainder of his military career. This provided him the opportunity to travel and see Europe. After seeing all of Europe, he vowed he'd never go back, and true to his word, he never did. After discharge from the military, he attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha and received his degree in meteorology. He then entered into management in the Finance industry; and ultimately transitioned into management with Color Tile for the next 27 years. And finally ending his career with the Tile Shop, where he was a sales rep for 25 years.

Leon married Cherrie Battani on August 10, 1968. They lived in Des Moines, IA and Omaha, NE before settling in Tulsa, Ok where they lived and raised their daughter Angela.

Leon was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic, working years past retirement. He loved movies and enjoyed all spectator sports. And he loved to talk about how he played football until he was 36 years old and claimed he never lost a game that he played in. He was 52-0. His wife and daughter however, report this so-called record has yet to be proven. He loved golf and was an avid golfer in his day. He enjoyed being on the greens in the early morning quiet with his thoughts. He felt in golf you were constantly competing against yourself to be better. He also loved his family and his "grand dogs". He was often seen walking them around the neighborhood. When diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Leon remained dedicated to his job and family, and was optimistic he would beat this cancer. Leon remained brave, even throughout his final two weeks. He worked up to 10 days before his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eldon, and sister, Joan Steffen.

He leaves behind his wife Cherrie Praeuner and daughter Angela Sepsis.

To leave a message of condolence for Leon's family or to share a special memory of Leon, please visit the guestbook below.