passed away Friday, October 25, 2024 at Methodist Fremont Health
Leonard was born April 19, 1944 to Magnus and Alma 'Johansen' Nielsen of Nickerson. He was born at the Old Fremont Hospital. He attended Rosedale #65 until the 8th grade. He then came to Fremont and went to high school graduating in 1962. After graduating he went to work for Carlstrom Brothers Construction. He helped build Howard School and later would buy a house where his children went to grade school at Howard. He then went to work for George Hormel Company where he worked until retirement after 46 years. He was a welder at heart. He loved making things with his hands. Growing up on a farm he learned to be a hard worker. He would work at Hormel and then go help his dad on the farm. He loved being outside. When he was working, he was outside doing things. Mowing and keeping up his lawn. The neighbors were amazed on how well he kept his yard up. One asked why he would mow it this way and that, he told them the grass laid better. His lawn was like a carpet. When he retired, he would go to coffee and sit and listen to all the others talk. That was what he did most every morning.
Leonard would go and help out the Fremont Avenue of Flags, for years he would help the church by mowing their lawn, he always kept busy. In the later years he loved Nascar, anything green (John Deere), golf and anything cowboys (Gunsmoke).
He was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church.
Leonard married Carol Barnes in 1967 and together their family included 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He enjoyed them all. They lived in Fremont until they moved to an acreage in Hooper for 13 years raising their family before coming back to Fremont.
Leonard is survived by son Roger of Nickerson and his 4 boys Blayde, Chase, Korrbin and Gavin. Daughter Susan (Monte) Kleich of Elk Point, SD. and their children Taylor (Ashley), Devon, and Shelby (Harmony). Daughter Debra (Jeff) White of Lakewood, CO. and their children Jade, McKenzie and Austin. Son Rodney (Crystal) of Crescent City, CA. and their two sons Maddix and Issak. 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren Landon, Paige, Melody and Xiomara. Many nieces and nephews.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Carol on February 29, 2024, parents, brothers Gerald and Don.
There is no viewing but the family will receive friends Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 5pm to 7pm. The Celebration of Leonard's life will be Friday 10:30am, November 8, 2024 at First Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Jim VanDyke
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Our sympathies to the Nielsen familyJim and Linda
Dwayne Hammond
Norton, KS Tuesday, October 29, 2024 We have know Roger and sons for a long time. My wife loved Carol and was sorry to hear about her passing.You have are heartfelt sympathy at your loss. Kind of know the feeling since both my parents are gone.
Pastor Milbern Goetz
Greeley, CO Tuesday, October 29, 2024 As a retired pastor still getting up there in years, I remember Len and Carol. Theirs was about the first wedding that I performed as a young assistant pastor learning his way at First Lutheran, and memory of them has remained. May the peace and promises of Christ be with their family.Ed Soll
Tucson, AZ Tuesday, October 29, 2024 My sympathies to the family. Leonard and I were close friends in high school and remember him as a big friendly bear. Had our last times together in 1962 on our car trip to the Seatle World's Fair. He was a special person.Jacqulyn Rathjen
Arlington, NE Monday, October 28, 2024 Many heartfelt condolences for Debbi and her family’s loss. I have known Leonard and Carol for many, many years via my friendship with their daughter Debbi and her husband Jeff White. Leonard was a wonderful person, as was Carol. He will be missed by many. I pray a peaceful and prosperous reunification with his wife Carol will hold a special blessing during this difficult time for all who in knew and loved them.Sincerely,
Jacqulyn Clarke-Rathjen (Jackie)