Earl McLeod

Rural Juniata resident, Earl Robert McLeod, 80, passed away Friday, April 13, 2012, at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Celebration of Life services will be Wednesday, April 18, 2012; 11:00 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Major Abe Tamayo officiating. Burial with military rites will be Wednesday, April 18, 2012; 2:00 P.M. in Kearney Cemetery, Kearney, Nebraska. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 17, 2012; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Start Over Rover, Heartland Pet Connection, or Salvation Army.

Earl Robert McLeod was born on a farm, near Juniata on August 22, 1931 to John and Minnie (Geitz) McLeod. He served 3 years in the National Guard, the 1-134th Calvary Unit of Hastings. He was a member of the Juniata American Legion, and the NRA for many years. He received his diploma with high honors in diesel engineering from the Utilities Engineer Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Earl and Bonnie (Bockerman) were wed on December 24, 1957 at the Methodist Church in Prosser, Nebraska. Earl was a farmer by profession, but his passion was antiques. He was an avid auction and antique enthusiast. Earl and Bonnie owned and operated Earl's Antiques for over 30 years at their farm. Earl was a man of few words...unless you were talking antiques or sports, especially the Green Bay Packers! He was an animal lover and their home was never without a rescued dog or multiple cats. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, George.

Survivors include:

Wife of 54 years: Bonnie McLeod - Juniata, NE
Daughters & Sons-in-laws: Tammy & Dale Valentin - Glenvil, NE
Rhonda & Rick McCoy - Juniata, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Kristopher & Michaela Valentin - Lincoln, NE
Jeffrey & Shelly Valentin - Hastings, NE
Bonnie & Cody Graff - Hastings, NE
Great-Grandchildren: Gabriella & Bianca Valentin
Jaxen Earl Valentin
Brooklyn & Gage Graff
Other family members would include cousins: Roger & Arlene Geitz, Marlys Geitz McFerren; and in-laws, nieces and nephews