Leonard Kriz

Leonard James Kriz, 82, of Crawford, passed away Monday, November 10 after battling heart related problems for a number of years. He was born on March 5, 1932 at Hemingford, NE, the youngest of three sons born to Joe and Hattie (Kriss) Kriz. As a young boy he grew up on a farm northeast of Hemingford and attended rural school district #10 through eighth grade. He graduated from Hemingford High School in 1950 and was drafted into the Army on Feb. 5, 1953. He served two years at Fort Bliss and White Sands Military Base and was trained in the new field of rocket guidance. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on Feb. 4, 1955 and served another six years in the Army Reserves. He was a member of the Eagles and American Legion. On June 10, 1956, he married Lois Homrighausen at her home south of Crawford. The couple lived their entire married life on a farm/ranch seven miles south of Crawford. To this union three children were born, Diane, Twila, and Bryan. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Three great-grandchildren brought special joy to his life later. Farming and ranching was his lifelong passion. He took great pride in his crops and cattle and enjoyed sharing stories about the changes made in agriculture during his lifetime. He also enjoyed square dancing and playing pitch with his friends and neighbors. In later years, he enjoyed traveling and one highlight was an Alaskan cruise to see the glaciers. Meeting Pastor Bill Bagley and growing with his church family also became important to him after his first heart surgery. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Lois of Crawford; daughters Diane (Alan) Hardt of Omaha; Twila (Lyle) Phillips of Mullen; and son, Bryan (Karin) Kriz of Crawford; grandchildren, Christi (Corey) Brew, Omaha; Alicia (Tim) Hinze, St. Louis, MO; Casey (Heather) Phillips, Kansas City, MO; Carrie (Brandon) Plummer, Omaha; Kyle Phillips, Lincoln; Katie Phillips, Grand Island; Kory Phillips, Hastings; Kelsey Phillips, Mullen; Joe and James Kriz, Crawford; great-grandchildren include Isaac and Ethan Brew, and Addison Plummer all of Omaha; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Joe and Hattie Kriz, and brothers, Julius and Marcus Kriz all of Hemingford. Memorials are suggested to the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department or the donors choice and may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Service:

Friday, November 14, 2014 ~ 2:00 PM

First Congregational Church of Crawford