Ed was born May, 26, 1958, and grew up in Garden Plain. He participated in sports, band, school government and graduated as valedictorian in 1976. He went on to complete his under-grad studies at Kansas Newman College and earned his medical degree at Kansas University.

He completed a pathology residency in Wichita and then won acceptance for a fellowship in forensic pathology in Salt Lake City, Utah. His first job after completing training was at the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office in Largo, Fla. After a year, he was invited back to SLC where he accepted a position as the deputy chief medical examiner for the State of Utah, where he worked until his retirement in 2019.
He retired to Colorado to pursue his lifelong dream of open spaces and ranching. The last 3-1/2 years, he kept busy working side by side with his wife as they learned about gravity irrigation, fence repair, fire mitigation and tractor maintenance. He loved to watch the cattle grazing in the pasture and fishing in the pond. He earned his Master Gardner’s certificate so that he could grow productive vegetable gardens and fruit trees at high elevation during a short growing season. He was a capable home repairman and built beautiful custom furniture.
Ed was known for his offbeat sense of humor. His innate kindness endeared him to his neighbors, friends and co-workers. He was a friend to all and could be counted on to be there for those in need. Ed was a loving son, husband and father.

He is predeceased by his father, Robert (Bob) Leis and his step-daughter, Erin Ray. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ellen; two sons, Evan (Amy) of Utah and Eric of London; mother, Della Leis; sister, Ruth Busch (Jim); and aunt, Marie Ternes of Kansas; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. We are all heartbroken and devastated by his sudden and unexpected death.
Funeral service will be held May 15 at St. Anthony of Padua’s Catholic Church (615 N. Main St., Garden Plain), with the rosary at 10 a.m. and funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Adopt-A-Native-Elder, https://anelder.org/giving/donation, or your favorite charity.
Tributes can be shared at www.ertel.funeralhome.com.