He served in the United States Army from May of 1943 to November of 1945. He had been awarded the Purple Heart with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and the Good Conduct Medal. He saw action in Southern France and the Rhineland and was wounded in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. Following his discharge, he returned to the Norfolk area.
Kenneth was married to Norma Holley on August 19, 1951 and they lived in Norfolk until moving to South Dakota in the Burke and Bonesteel area, then returning to Norfolk before moving to Fremont in 1960. For most of his working years, he was employed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring as a conductor in 1987.
His hobby was his ownership and working with race horses. He is a former member of the Masonic Lodge and Tangier Shrine Center. He is a member of the VFW Post at Stanton, Nebraska and a member of the DAV. And he was formerly a member of the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Club.
Survivors: wife Norma
daughter Debra and husband Fred Hill of Klamath Falls, Oregon
3 sons Doug and wife Peggy Leland
Dennis and wife LouAnn Leland
Dana and wife June Leland, all of Fremont
8 grandchildren
2 great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister.
The memorial service will be 11 AM Thursday (June 20, 2013) at Salem Lutheran Church, Fremont. There is no public viewing, however the family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at the Ludvigsen Mortuary. The committal will be 3 PM Thursday in the Norwegian Cemetery at Wisner, Nebraska with Military Honors by the Stanton VFW Post 3602. Memorials are suggested to the Stanton VFW Post 3602 or to the donor's charity of choice.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Sandy Robertson
bellevue, NE Thursday, June 20, 2013 Leland family, Deb, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I am very sorry for your loss. The entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Robertson Family
Marsha Brown
Valley, NE Wednesday, June 19, 2013 To the Leland family: May you find peace during this difficult time. It is so hard to lose a loved one. I hope you find joy in your memories which can never be taken away...even through your tears. Until you meet again~Sincerely,
Lynn & Marsha (Palmer) Brown
Lori
Bismarck, ND Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Leland family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. The Wavrin family in ND. Mike, Lori and JennaKirk Reeder
Nebraska, NE Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Dennis, Doug, Debra, Dana, & Norma-I am so sorry for your loss. My Dad lost his battle with cancer 2 months ago after 6 years and my Mother passed away in 1997. I loved your Dad at the CNW, picking up train wrecks, and when he had the Holiday Lodge Bar. He was always entertaining and funny to be around with his big cigars etc..You are in my thoughts.Sincerely,
Kirk A. Reeder
Suzanne Baker
Omaha, NE Monday, June 17, 2013 Doug, Peg and family so sorry for your loss. You have my sympathies.