Leopold Family establishes Legacy Fund to strengthen Sheridan County

The Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) is honored to announce the creation of the “David E. and Janet S. Leopold Family Fund,” a new donor-advised fund that reflects the Leopolds’ enduring commitment to Sheridan County and their dedication to giving back to the community that has been their lifelong home.

As a Donor Advised Fund, the Leopolds will have the flexibility to recommend grants to nonprofit organizations that reflect their charitable passions. The fund will provide a permanent resource for supporting community needs today and for generations to come.

David, a Hoxie native, and Janet, originally from Abilene, met through mutual friends while attending the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) in the 1960s. David, having already completed his degree in accounting from Kansas University (KU) was earning his certification in mortuary science and Jan was working towards her degree in nursing, also from KU. After completing these endeavors, they were married in 1966 and moved to Lawrence where David pursued his master’s degree in accounting and Jan worked at Lawrence Memorial hospital.

In 1967, they moved back to Kansas City where David worked for an accounting firm and Jan worked in pediatrics at KUMC until their first son, Brett, (Fairway, Kan.) was born. They moved to Hoxie at the end of the decade, where David opened his accounting firm, David E. Leopold, C.P.A., and entered business with his uncle, Vernon Mickey, at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Janet devoted herself to raising their family which grew to include Brian (Wichita, Kan.,); Christopher “Chris” (Riverside, Mo.); and Patrick “Pat” (Lawrence, Kan.). She also assisted David in the funeral service business for many years.

The Leopolds have long been recognized as hardworking business owners and community-minded residents of Sheridan County. David, who served as mayor of Hoxie early in his career, has spent a lifetime in public service, including roles on the boards of the hospital, library, former Presbyterian Church, and Hoxie Housing Authority, among others. Janet has also dedicated countless hours to their church and other community causes.

Their values of faith, service and stewardship are reflected in the lives of their four sons. Each son, along with his family, has forged his own path while remaining connected to Sheridan County. Together, they represent the next generation of the Leopolds’ philanthropic vision.

“We wanted to create this fund because we are thankful for what Hoxie provided to our sons and family over the years,” Janet said. “We are grateful for the opportunities afforded to them—especially the education they received at Hoxie Schools—and we hope our fund will support the next generation and help Hoxie thrive for years to come.”

Brett, Brian, Chris and Pat will all serve as successor advisors to the fund, continuing their parents’ example of generosity and leadership.

The fund was established with support from the Hansen Foundation’s New Fund Matching Initiative, which encourages the creation of new endowed funds to strengthen communities across northwest Kansas. Through this initiative, gifts to establish new funds are matched with $2,000 from the Hansen Foundation and $1,000 from SCCF, amplifying the impact of each family’s charitable investment.

Eligible nonprofit organizations, individual donors and donor families may participate in this matching effort, available through the end of 2027 on a first-come, first-served basis.

“David and Janet have shown the power of local families to build a stronger future for Sheridan County,” said Karl Pratt, SCCF executive director. “By creating this fund and involving their sons as donors and advisors, they are building a legacy of giving that will ripple across generations.”

SCCF is proud to steward the David E. and Janet S. Leopold Family Fund, ensuring that the Leopolds’ spirit of generosity will continue to support charitable projects and causes that matter most to them and to their family for years to come.

For more information on establishing a fund through the Hansen New Fund Matching Initiative, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, email director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org/new-fund-match.

SCCF is an affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation based in Bird City. The foundation seeks to encourage, prudently manage, and distribute charitable contributions to improve the quality of life of Sheridan County residents, now and in the future. To learn more, contact Pratt at 785-677-5090, director@growsheridancounty.org, or visit www.growsheridancounty.org. Connect with SCCF at www.facebook.com/sheridanccf.