Hello all-

On December 15th, 2021, an extreme weather event occurred in western Kansas with winds in excess of 80 mph. A fire broke out west of Richard and Peggy’s farm near Leoti and spread quickly to their house. The fire badly burned Richard but they both escaped with the help of others. Later that evening Richard was life flighted to Denver and treated in the burn unit. His injuries were too severe and he could not overcome them. On December 16th, Richard Lee Shimanek passed away.

After the weather calmed, the damage at the farm was unimaginable. The house was completely burned and multiple vehicles and buildings were destroyed from the damage. Gone were countless items and things that Peggy and Richard had built together in the years they had lived at the farm.

Peggy could use some assistance to get back on her feet after all the loss. Anything would help.