Leon "Skeet" George Kotschwar, 82, of Farnam, passed away on May 5, 2009 at the Gothenburg Memorial Hospital - Long Term Care, Gothenburg, NE. Prior to his death, he was on dialysis for 2 1/2 years for his kidney failure.

He was born on December 23, 1926 to William and Viola (White) Kotschwar three miles southwest of Maywood, NE. When Leon was two weeks old, the family moved to a farm south of Curtis, living there until he was 13, then they moved to a farm south of Farnam. He continued living in the Farnam area for the rest of his life.

He graduated from Farnam High School in 1944. On March 6, 1945, Leon entered the US Army and received his honorable discharge on December 12, 1946. While in the Army, he served with the 375th Transportation Corps Harbor Craft in Manila and the Philippine Islands performing duties as a dispatcher in the motor pool of trucks and jeeps.

On August 16, 1953 he married Muriel Gewecke at the Farnam United Methodist Church in Farnam, NE. To this union four children were born: Brent, Lana, Perry and Bryan.

Leon and his brother, Clyde, were trucking partners of livestock and grain, usually trucking in the local area and to the Omaha Stockyards. When they hauled grain, people remarked how fast they could load or unload their trucks using manual labor and a scoop shovel! He was a self employed farmer/rancher his entire adult life. He was also a substitute mail carrier for many years. His occupation and recreation was work, but always found time to help out a neighbor or friend in need.

He was a member of the Farnam United Methodist Church for 57 years and served on various church boards. Memberships and civic activities included: Fire Chief at Farnam for 24 years; 50 year member of the American Legion Post #288; Rural Fire Board, Veteran's of Foreign War Post #8146; Senior Center Board; Village of Farnam Board; and Economic Development.

Leon was proud of his children, grandchildren and enjoyed their visits and attending their activities. He enjoyed playing and watching sports. He played first base in baseball and later enjoyed golf with friends and family. His real sports love was football.

Leon is survived by his loving wife Muriel of Farnam; and children: Brent (Peggy) Kotschwar of Omaha, NE; Lana (Nick) Cate of Peachtree City, GA; Perry Kotschwar of Elwood, NE, Bryan (Nancy) Kotschwar of Big Springs, NE; eight grandchildren - Kurt Kotschwar, Allison Kotschwar, Brennan Cate, Bennett Cate, Ryan Cate, Trenton Kotschwar, Lindsey Kotschwar, Grace Kotschwar; two brothers - Anton Kotschwar of Moorefield, NE; Glen (Vicki) Kotschwar of Chadron, NE; five sisters - Gladys (Orville) Thrasher of San Bernardino, CA; Bettye Cross of Pineville, OR; Alice Fickenscher of Surprise, AZ; Mable Conklin of Sterling, IL; Jean (Ivan) Henderson of Lexington, NE; sister-in-law - Willa McCaa of Arapahoe, NE; brother-in-law - Thomas McCaa of Greensburg, LA; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Viola and Maxine and three brothers Stanley, Robert, and Clyde.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 10, 2009, from 1-8 p.m. with the family present from 3-5 p.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Farnam United Methodist Church, Farnam, with Pastor Tess Hufford, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Farnam Cemetery with military honors by the Farnam Firing Squad.

A memorial has been established in Leon's memory, 75235 RD 409, Farnam, NE 69029.

Online condolences can be given at www.blasestrauser.com.

North Platte Telegraph, 7 May 2009.