Leo Emil Heng, son of Carl J. and Helen (Rebhan) Heng, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Leo was born on November 15, 1929, in Nebraska City, NE, and spent his life dedicated to family, community,  and service.  

Leo's academic and extracurricular accomplishments were evident from a young age. He was a champion speller, earning the title of Omaha World-Herald Champion Speller for District 61 in 1940. His love for learning continued throughout his youth, as he earned top honors in vocational agriculture, taking first place as the top freshman in the FFA Livestock Judging Contest in 1944, and later earning second place regional FFA Public Speaking Contest in 1945.  He was awarded the esteemed FFA Degree of State Farmer during his senior year where he graduated from   Nebraska City High School in 1947.

Leo had a successful and varied career. While at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was on the wrestling team and was in ROTC. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. After college he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War until 1954. He later became a Soil Conservation Technician for the Franklin County District at Fort Robinson in 1955. In the following years, Leo pursued a career in sales and marketing, becoming the Sales Manager for Allied Chemical in Omaha, before spending 10 years with the Western Investors Commodities Office. Leo’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own several businesses, but his lifetime focus was always with farming his land.

On October 20, 1956, Leo was united in marriage to Sonja Veronica Sevon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Paul, NE., and moved to Lincoln, NE. They eventually resided in Nebraska City to raise their growing family of seven children. They shared 68 wonderful years together.

Leo's involvement with the Knights of Columbus began early in his life, and he remained an active member for over three decades. He was a charter member of #3152 in Nebraska City and received recognition for his 39 years of service in 1987. Leo’s service extended beyond the Knights, as he also became a lector at his parish St. Mary’s Catholic Church, later serving as an acolyte and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Leo’s commitment to public service also extended to his leadership roles within the community.  He was a member of several local organizations, including the Eagles, Elks, and American Legion in Nebraska City. He served on the school board and parish council and was a founding member of the Lourdes Endowment Fund Charter Group in the early 1980s. His dedication to the community earned him the Nebraska Centennial Pioneer Award for Distinguished Family.

Leo’s faith led him to travel to the Holy Land where he sailed on the Sea of Galilee and walked the Via Dolorosa carrying a cross. This experiences deeply impacted his spiritual life.

In Leo’s spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Pheasant and quail hunting with his Labrador Retriever, Smokey, was his favorite.

A man of integrity, wisdom, and kindness, Leo was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He touched the lives of all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of friendship, service, leadership, and love for his family and community.

Leo is survived by his wife Sonja; children: Thomas (Karen) Heng, Christopher (Cindi) Heng, Joseph (Laurie) Heng, and Deborah (Kevin) Durr; daughter-in-law Beth Heng; grandchildren: Brian (Amy) Lowe, Katie (Jimmy) Dahm, Garrett Heng, Sarah (Jarred) Zak, Carl Heng, Lindsey Heng, Andrew (Meghan Anderson) Heng, Jane Heng, Isaac Heng, and Molly Heng, Justin Heng, Jared Heng, Tyler Heng, Megan Heng, Dylan Heng, Emilianne (fiancé Payton) Durr, Zoe (Jake) Boss, Aryn Durr; 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Norine Heng; brothers: Carl, Jr. and David Heng; and children: Matthew, Susan, and Stephen Heng.

A Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nebraska City, NE on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 11:40 a.m.  A Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 p.m., with a lunch following in the church basement. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lourdes Catholic School Endowment Fund.

Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

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