Russell Leonhardt

Former Hastings resident, Russell F. Leonhardt, 88, of Nebraska Veterans Home, Grand Island, died Friday, October 17, 2008 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.

Services will be Tuesday, October 21, 2008; 1:00 P.M. at All Saints Chapel, Good Samaritan Village with Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, October 19, 2008; 5pm-9pm, Monday, October 20, 2008, 9am-9pm at the funeral home and, Tuesday, October 21, 2008, one hour prior to services at All Saints Chapel. A memorial will be established in honor of Russell F. Leonhardt at a later date.

Mr. Leonhardt was born September 16, 1920 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Albert and Hazel (Shontz) Leonhardt. He graduated from Oak Park Academy High School in Nevada, Iowa in 1939, received his Bachelors degree in Education from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska and a Masters degree from Kearney State College, now UNK in Kearney, Nebraska. He married Bonnie J. Ives on October 30, 1942 in Rockport, Missouri and she preceded him in death on January 3, 2006. He served in the United States Army during WWII from December 16, 1942 until January 2, 1946. He was a police officer for several years and owned and operated a Gambles store in Council Bluffs, IA, before pursuing his teaching career. He taught Economics, Western Civilization and Sociology at Hastings High School from 1963-1986. After retiring from teaching he received his realtor's license and sold real estate for Nebraskaland Partners from 1995-2004. His civic, fraternal and business involvement include, the board of adjustment, board of realtors, Hastings American Legion Baseball Committee, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, American Legion, V.F.W. He was a Master Mason & former member of Mid-West Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M., Tehama Shrine, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star Acacia Chapter #39 & Sertoma Club.

Mr. Leonhardt was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Bonnie.

Survivors include:
Daughters & Sons-in-law: Judy & James Bott - Hastings, NE
Kim & Mike Poplau - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren: Jeffrey Bott - Easley, SC
Tami Turner - Hastings, NE
Kristin Strobl - Hastings, NE
Kelli Poplau - Hastings, NE
Great Grandchildren: Megan Turner
Nicholas Strobl
Zachary Strobl
Tiffany Turner
Step Great-Granddaughters: 2
Brothers & Sisters-in-law: Earl & Veda Leonhardt - Lincoln, NE
Robert & Charlene Leonhardt - Papillion, NE
Sister: Maxine Leonhardt - Lincoln, NE
Several Nieces & Nephews