Leonard E. Brejcha, 96, of Wilber, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Crete Area Medical Center in Crete, Nebraska.

Leonard was born on January 5, 1930, to Edmund Sr. and Abbie (Tyser) Brejcha on a farm northeast of Tobias. Shortly afterward, the family moved to a farm northeast of Western, where Leonard was raised. He was the oldest of three children and grew up alongside his brother, Edmund Jr., and sister, Darlene (Valenta). He attended a rural country school between Western and Swanton through the eighth grade and then helped his family on the farm.

In 1951, Leonard was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served during the Korean War. Stationed in Okinawa, he worked as a mechanic, keeping jeeps and trucks operating, before later becoming known as the “parts” man!

Prior to Leonard being called up, one evening in 1950 at Tabor Hall, while attending one of the area’s many dances, Leonard met the love of his life, Deloris Shestak. Deloris remembers spotting him and asking her friend about “that good-looking man in the white suit and red tie” across the room. When Leonard came to ask her friend for a dance, her friend sent him in Deloris’ direction instead.

Leonard and Deloris were married on June 4, 1954, in the chapel of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln in a double wedding ceremony with their close friends, Elmer and Bernice Koll-Filipi. Just weeks before Leonard’s passing, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. They truly shared life together in every sense—even their birthdays were only one day apart each January.

For Leonard, farming was never just a career; it was his way of life. He and Deloris spent decades working side by side on their farm, milking cows, raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and ducks. They built their life through determination, long days, and hard work. Equipment was often limited, and for many years they even hauled water in and out of their home, but together they accomplished whatever needed to be done.

Although there was not much time for leisure, Leonard enjoyed attending farm and cattle sales, even if he usually came home with nothing. Deloris fondly recalled one memorable exception. After mentioning she had always wanted a piano, Leonard surprised her by bringing one home that he proudly purchased for just ten dollars.

Leonard and Deloris loved dancing together. Whether it was polka music or the classic country songs (if they were the real old ones), they rarely missed an opportunity for Polka music. Leonard found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—fresh tomatoes, sweet strawberries, a bowl of popcorn, a glass of iced tea, and if they were lucky a trip to the State Fair once a year.

Anyone who knew Leonard knew him as a genuinely kind, honest, and hardworking man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. Deloris often joked that Leonard would gladly help anyone who asked—unless she asked him to do something around the house. Then, he would say, “I ain’t got time for that,” because there was always another tractor to repair or farm chore waiting. Yet no one doubted his devotion to her. Deloris never wanted any animal harmed, so whenever Leonard caught a “critter” in a live trap, when he would say that he was going to “go shoot it.” As soon as Deloris pleaded with him not to, he would load it into the truck, drive it down the road, and set it free.

In 2019, Deloris moved to Wilber Care Center as her health needs changed. Leonard remained on the farm until 2023, when he joined Deloris at Wilber Care Center, where they were finally able to enjoy everyday life together once again.

Even after leaving the farm, Leonard never really stopped farming. Every day he called to check on the weather, rainfall, grain prices, and everything farm related. He continued managing the farm from afar while becoming a familiar face at Wilber Care Center. He enjoyed playing Bingo and became known for collecting candy, always making sure he had enough to share with others.

Leonard is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Deloris Brejcha; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund Sr. and Abbie (Tyser) Brejcha; his brother, Edmund Jr. Brejcha; his sister, Darlene Valenta; infant niece, Sally; and nephew, Danny Brejcha.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Czech Cemetery near Wilber. A luncheon will follow at the Wilber Care Center.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.