Linus Leiker, 84, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on June 26, 2026. He was born on February 7, 1942, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Hays, Kansas, to Alexander "Alex" Leiker and Christina (Enslinger) Leiker.

Linus was the youngest of ten children. He attended grade school in Liebenthal, Kansas, through the sixth grade before continuing his education at Hays Junior High and Jefferson West in Hays. He later attended St. Joseph Military Academy for his ninth and tenth grade years and graduated from Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School in Wichita, Kansas, with the Class of 1960.

On October 2, 1962, Linus received his draft notice and was scheduled to report for basic training on December 10, 1962. Although he was prepared and willing to serve his country, he was never called into military service.

Following high school, Linus worked in the food industry until 1968, when he began a career with the Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railway. He faithfully served the railroad for over 30 years continuing his employment after the 1995 merger that formed BNSF Railway. He medically retired on January 20, 2000, after years of dedicated service.

Linus was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Kay Baker on January 22, 1966, in Hays, Kansas. They later divorced on August 1, 1972. On August 13, 1972, he married LaVonne Foster in Topeka, Kansas, and lovingly embraced her three children, Pam Kutina, Debbie Willis, and Greg Lindbloom as his own. That marriage ended in divorce on July 8, 1980. On August 24, 1992, Linus remarried Gwendolyn Baker Rothwell in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Together they shared 25 wonderful years of marriage until Gwendolyn's passing on November 24, 2017.

A devoted Christian, Linus lived his life with steadfast faith, quiet humility, and a servant's heart. His trust in God carried him through many difficult health challenges over the years. With his characteristic sense of humor, he often referred to himself as the "One in a Million Man," joking about the many medical procedures and illnesses he endured. He survived a stroke in December 1995, underwent surgery for Ménière's disease in April 1996, suffered a severe back injury involving his L4 and L5 vertebrae in 1999, experienced two heart attacks in 2001, and most recently faced leukemia with courage and determination. Through every trial, his faith remained strong, and he continued to inspire those around him with his resilience.

Outside of work, Linus found great joy in gardening, woodworking, hunting, and training bird dogs. He was a proud member and past president of Carmen's Local No. 60 railroad union. He was known for his remarkable work ethic, practical skills, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need.

Linus is survived by his sister, Jane Dreiling, of North Kansas City, Missouri; his brothers, Anthony Leiker of Wichita, Kansas, and Chris Leiker and his wife, Roslyn, of Great Bend, Kansas; sister- in-law, Andrea Baker of McPherson, Kansas; his stepchildren, Pam Kutina, Debbie Willis, and Greg Lindbloom; along with numerous nieces, nephews, a honorary grandpa to many, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Christina Leiker; his beloved wife, Gwendolyn; his sisters, Mary Leiker; Anita Engel and her husband, Darrell; Leona McIntosh and her husband, Charles "Oscar"; his brothers, Merwyn "Merf" Leiker and his wife, Jan; Peter "Pete" Leiker and wife, Roberta; Alexius "Alex" Leiker and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Marilyn; brother-in-law Hubert Dreiling and his former wife, LaVonne Foster.

Linus will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, steadfast dedication to his family and work, and his love of the outdoors. His kindness, generosity, and enduring friendships touched countless lives. While he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His legacy of faith, perseverance, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life honoring Linus will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 700 Chapel Street, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006, with Pastor Richard Austin officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church.