Leland L. Willard

Leland Willard Kearney Resident Leland “Lee” Willard, 89, of Kearney, died, surrounded by family, Thursday, September 27, 2018 at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 1, 2018 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser officiating. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #52, VFW Post #759 in conjunction with the United States Navy Honors Team. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 30 at the church followed by a vigil/prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Leland Leroy Willard was born April 6, 1929 to Milton and Mary (Raitora) Willard. He was raised in Miller and graduated from Miller High School in 1947. Following his graduation, Lee enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed on Midway Island in Hawaii, and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1954. Lee was united in marriage to Betty Hamik on October 28, 1954 in Stuart, Nebraska. To this union five girls were born: LeAnne, Lori, Lisa, Lynelle and Lichelle. The couple made their home in Kearney and they enjoyed traveling extensively together. Lee worked for Clausen’s Shoe Store until he was hired to be the manager at Famous Shoe Store in downtown Kearney. Lee later purchased and operated Famous Shoe Store until his retirement. Lee was an avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed his daily coffee with friends, dancing and reading westerns. He enjoyed cheering on the Huskers, but above all else valued his time spent with his family. Lee was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, B.P.O.E. and the American Legion. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Betty of Kearney; daughters LeAnne Lacey and her husband Mike of Shelton, Lori West of Kearney, Lisa Schwab and her husband Kent of Silverthorne, Colorado and Lichelle Aden and her husband, Jim of Gothenburg; grandchildren Jessica Frink (Jeremy), Justin Lacey (Jill), Timmy, Nicole and Dillon West, Sydney Schwab (Gavin Dalgliesh), Kyle Schwab (Elle), Bailey, Grace, Maggie and Sophia Aden; 4 great-grandchildren: Owen and Elliet Frink and Madi and Barrett Lacey; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Lynelle (Willard) Parks; grandson Isaiah Aden; and sister Madeline Adelung. Memorials in Lee’s honor are kindly suggested to St. James Catholic Church or the Nebraska Veteran’s Memorial in Kearney. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com . Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Leland L. Willard

April 6, 1929 - September 27, 2018