Gus E. Leimkuhler, Jr.

June 20, 1926 – September 29, 2022

We sadly lost a very dear member of the AFS-USA family this past month with the passing of Gus E. Leimkuhler, Jr., a lifelong friend, advocate, and volunteer.

Gus’s involvement with AFS-USA began in 1956 when North Kansas City High School—where he was a teacher and then Head Librarian—hosted its first exchange student. Gus took over sponsorship of the AFS Club and worked closely with the Adult Chapter in finding host families; he and his family also hosted AFS students on multiple occasions.

In 1975, Gus was appointed to AFS’s first Volunteer Board; he later served as the Greater Kansas City Area AFS director for six years, during which time he was appointed to the AFS National Board. In 1983, Gus was awarded the first AFS Stephen Galatti Award in honor of his service and commitment. He also enjoyed serving on the Orientation staff of AFS at C.W. Post College for numerous summers and enthusiastically welcomed new foreign students to the United States. To commemorate Gus’s dedication, he received the Kansas City World Citizen of the Year Award from the International Relations Council of Greater Kansas City in 1988.

Gus is survived by his children Jim Leimkuhler and his wife Marcia, of Corona del Mar, CA, and Ann Leimkuhler of Carrollton, MO, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving Gus are generations of AFSers whose lives were touched by his commitment to a more just and peaceful world. He will be deeply missed.