William "Bill" Leo Peroutek

William “Bill” Leo Peroutek, 84, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. He was born May 11, 1927 in Jewell County on the family homestead. Bill was the eldest child of Emil “Peck” and Leona (McCarty) Peroutek. He attended Mt. Zion School through the 8th grade and graduated from Esbon High School with the class of 1945. Bill was united in marriage to Ida Mae (Broeckelman) Peroutek on May 6, 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon. They made their home together on the family farm that sits on the east edge of Esbon. Bill and Ida celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2011. Farming was his passion, starting out with horses as a youngster and ending with modern farm equipment. He was involved with farming and livestock his entire life. Bill was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon. He was a Lions Club member for 55 years and supported the Esbon Senior Club for 42 years. Bill and Ida retired in 2004 and moved to Mankato, Kansas. Some of Bill’s great enjoyments were entertaining fellow farmers, hunters and implement dealers. He also enjoyed following sports and watching his crops grow. His family all agree: He never knew a stranger, and a stranger was better for knowing him.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister Vonda Hale. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren, always caring about what they were doing. Left to treasure his memory are: wife Ida, daughter Cheryl and husband Tom Rickel of St. Joseph, Missouri; son Jim and wife Lesa Peroutek of Esbon; and son Kevin Peroutek of Maize, Kansas. Grandchildren: Shara and Ryan Redshaw of Kansas City, Missouri; Russell Hill of Sioux City, Iowa; Derek, Dane and Paige Peroutek of Hays, Kansas; Paityn Peroutek of Hutchinson, Kansas; Tanner Peroutek of Manhattan, Kansas; and Taneile Peroutek of Esbon, brother Joe Peroutek of Salina, Kansas; sister Pat Trembly of Meadowlake, Texas, and sister Janie Callaway of Esbon, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Esbon, Kansas, with Father George Chalbhagam officiting. Shelby, Corbyn and Lindy Broeckelman provided the music for the mass. The Altar servers were Joel and Luke Brockelman. Casket bearers wereL Merek Peroutek, Dane Peroutek, Tanner Peroutek, Russell Hill, Ryan Redshaw, and Charles Hale. Interment will be in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas. Visitation will be Friday, March 9, 2012, at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 9, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Esbon, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Esbon Fire Hall / Community Center, in care of Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas. Lunch was provided by the Sacred Heart Altar Guild and was served shortly after the graveside service. Condolences may be left on line at www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary in Mankato, in charge of arrangements.