Leonard J. Kaiser, age 95 of Lincoln, NE (formerly Nebr. City) passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln.

Leonard Joseph Kaiser was born on June 7, 1929 in rural Culbertson, NE; the son of Henry Joseph and Philomena (Hilsenbeck) Kaiser.  His family later moved to Nebraska City where Leonard attended school and graduated from St. Bernard’s Academy (Lourdes Central) with the Class of 1947.  He joined the United States Air Force on August 21, 1950 and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged on August 20, 1954.

On October 8, 1953, Leonard was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Durr at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and to this union two children were born:  Daniel and Margaret. 

He worked for Meadow Gold Dairy and later began his career at Norman’s IGA in 1957.   After some 51 years of employment at Norman’s, he retired in 2008.  During the many years at Norman’s, he touched many lives including both the employees and the many customers.   He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. 

Leonard is survived by his wife Mary Kaiser of Lincoln, NE; children: Daniel Kaiser and wife Sheryl of Marshall, MN and Margaret Kaiser-Woodward and husband Gordon of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren:  Gordan Woodward Jr. (Barbara), Laura Bedlan (Dave), Jim Kaiser (Becky), Paul Kaiser-Woodward, Mike Kaiser (Katie) and Katie Oglesby (Clay); 15 great-grandchildren; a brother Clarence Kaiser (Anna Mae) of Nebr. City, NE; sister-in-law Joan Durr of Omaha, NE; numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters:  Lorene Clark and Margaret Kaiser and a granddaughter-in-law Erin Byorth Kaiser-Woodward.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Tom Schultes celebrating the Mass.  Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery (Paul) south-west of Nebraska City with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Talmage American Legion Post.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday (3/2) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Future Full of Hope at Lourdes Central Catholic Schools.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.