Leonard Stepanek

Leonard Stepanek, 91, of Schuyler passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Emerald Care Center in Columbus.

Memorials can be designated to Family Wishes for later designation.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Schuyler. Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. on Friday at Svoboda Funeral Home with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Viewing will continue on Saturday from 9 until 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Schuyler Cemetery with lunch following at St. Mary's Social Center. Svoboda Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Leonard's family.

Leonard was born at home on a farm near Leigh, Nebraska on November 24,1932. He married the love of his life of 65 years, Elaine Fujan at St. Mary Catholic Church on November 29th, 1958. They built their home in Schuyler on Gold Street, where he raised his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Leonard was always busy doing something with gardening, welding, and finding things to repair. He spent hours tinkering in his shop behind the house. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix with bailing wire, duct tape or WD-40. He could be seen taking joy rides around Schuyler on his beloved International Farmall and John Deere tractors. He worked many years at A.D.M, D&L and retired from Cargill after 30 years.

Loud Polka music could be heard every Sunday as the radio was tuned to the Big Joe Polka Show. He played the accordion and was part of the “Schuyler Polka Boys” band, where they played at local events, parties and on the Sandpit float for many years of Labor Day Parades. He and Elaine travelled to many area Polka dances at the Oak Ballroom, Abbie Auditorium and in Prague.

A weed was not safe in Leonard’s yard. He kept his yard perfectly manicured, fertilized and watered by hand. He could be seen proudly admiring his work on the back porch with a cold one after mowing, wearing his bib overalls and a John Deer cap. He loved animals of all kinds, most recently dogs Otis, Savannah, and Loki.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Anton and Sophie (Houdek) Stepanek, brothers Ervin, Marvin, and still-born sister Mary Anne. Survivors include the love of his life, Elaine (Fujan) Stepanek, daughters Shirley and Sharon (Joe) Davis, son Dan (Tamara) Stepanek, sister Marilyn Maxon, 9 Grandchildren, 11 Great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild as well as nieces and nephews.