Leonard George Gerritzen, 84, died September 7, 2012 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born January 30, 1928 at Hoisington, Kansas, the son of George Theodore and Hilda Mae (Budig) Gerritzen. Mr. Gerritzen was a lifetime Barton County resident. He was a 1946 graduate of Hoisington High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. Mr. Gerritzen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during World War II from 1946 to 1948, attaining the rank of corporal. He was especially interested in veterans' causes like the DAV in Topeka. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, touring Cheyenne Bottoms, and all types of engineering projects. He was a mechanical engineer at Truck Repair, followed by thirty-one years working on large and small engines at JoMax Construction Company until illness forced his retirement. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and Eagles Aerie 646, all of Great Bend. Mr. Gerritzen never married, but shared a close relationship with his cousins, Virginia Klepper of Great Bend, Kansas; and Gene Dressler of Wagner, South Dakota; and special JoMax friends, Pat Peschka, Mike Ingham, Randy and Terri Gorney and other co-workers. He is survived by numerous cousins. Vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 9, 2012 at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 10, 2012 at Bryant Funeral Home. Father Don Bedore will officiate. Burial will be at Great Bend Cemetery with military rites by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. Friends may call from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, September 9, 2012 at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Prince of Peace Youth Group or American Legion Argonne Post 180, in care of the funeral home.