Leslie “Joe” Zachgo
Leslie “Joe” Zachgo, 72, of Ash Grove, Kansas passed away February 19th, 2024 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
Joe was born November 18, 1951 in Salina Kansas to Kenneth and Ila (Parli) Zachgo. He was the third of six children. He attended Shiloh, Ash Grove, and Hunter schools before graduating from Sylvan Unified High School in 1969. From there he enrolled in the mechanic program at NCK Vo-Tech, graduating in 1970. While at Vo-Tech, he met Kay Speaks and they were married June 17, 1972 at the First Christian Church in Beloit, KS. Kay and Joe were blessed with 3 children: Jeremiah Joe, Carla Jean, and Cynthia Diane.
Joe was very handy and wore many hats throughout his life. He worked at Thrun Brother’s Garage, Quartzite, Kent Manufacturing, and Great Plains Manufacturing. He often reminisced about his days traveling to Colorado for work. Joe loved the mountains. He also ran his own family business harvesting for local farmers each summer and found great joy in sharing this with his family.
Joe volunteered with the Hunter Fire Department for many years. He had a great love for playing the card game Pitch. Joe had the remarkable ability to “shoot the moon” before even picking up his cards, and he rarely went set. Joe was also known for his hard work and helping others with their building projects. He loved welding and working in his shop. Joe always loved seeing and hearing about his grandchildren’s adventures and latest achievements as well as sneaking them sweets when their parents weren’t looking. Leslie “Joe” is survived by Kay Zachgo of Cawker City, KS and their 3 children, Jeremiah (Roxy) Zachgo of Lincoln, KS, Carla (Ben) Stevens of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Cynthia (Garret) Wilkison of Cashion, OK; 8 Grandchildren: Desirrae (Brandon) Taylor, Jonah (Secylla) Zachgo, Cheyenne Zachgo (Julian Gonzalez), Baily Zachgo, Audi Luna- Young, Byron Wilkison, Maggie Jo Wilkison and Josephine Stevens; and his great grandchild, Addison Jo Taylor. Joe is also survived by his siblings: Connie Lashell, Sandra (Edgar) Brummer, Jim Zachgo, Virginia (Travis) Naylor, and Toni (Royce) Hillegeist. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Ila (Parli) Zachgo.
Joe’s family would like to thank the staff and physicians at Hays Medical Center. They saw beyond his disease and treated Joe with respect, care, and professionalism. A special thank you also goes to Ashley Schneider; you went above and beyond your professional duties and truly helped our father keep his health as long as possible.
Cards and memorials can be sent to Kay Zachgo, c/o Cynthia Wilkison 433 Azalea NW, Cashion, OK 73016.
A celebration of life will be held at Hunter Community Center, 109 1st St, Hunter, KS 67452 Saturday, March 2nd at 11am.