Leonard E. Brejcha, 96, of Wilber, passed away peacefully June 29, 2026, at Crete Area Medical Center.
Leonard was born Jan. 5, 1930, to Edmund Sr. and Abbie (Tyser) Brejcha on a farm northeast of Tobias before the family moved to a farm northeast of Western, where he was raised. The oldest of three children, he attended a rural country school between Western and Swanton through the eighth grade before helping on the family farm.
Leonard proudly served his country in the United States Army after being drafted in 1951 during the Korean War. While stationed in Okinawa, he worked as a mechanic before later serving as the unit's "parts" man.
Before being drafted, Leonard met the love of his life, Deloris Shestak, at Sokol Hall in 1951. Deloris remembers spotting "that good-looking man in the white shirt and red tie" across the room. They were married June 4, 1954, in the chapel of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Lincoln in a double wedding with friends Elmer and Bernice Koll-Filipi. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this June, and even their birthdays were just one day apart.
Leonard spent his entire life farming, milking cows and raising cattle, pigs, chickens, and ducks. He and Deloris built a life through hard work, determination and devotion to one another.
Leonard enjoyed farm and cattle sales, polka and classic country music, garden tomatoes, strawberries, popcorn, and iced tea. He was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. To make Deloris happy, any "critter" caught in a live trap was never harmed, but instead taken down the road and released.
When Deloris moved to Wilber Care Center in 2019, Leonard remained on the farm until joining her there in 2023. Although he no longer lived on the farm, he stayed connected by checking the weather, rainfall and grain prices every day.
Leonard is survived by his beloved wife, Deloris; nieces; nephews; and extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edmund Jr.; his sister, Darlene Valenta; infant niece, Sally; and nephew, Danny Brejcha.
The funeral service will be Monday, July 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at the Czech Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Wilber Care Center. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation.
Leonard will be remembered as a hardworking farmer, a proud veteran, a kind friend, and a devoted husband whose life was shared with Deloris for more than seven decades.
