Leanna M. Henry

A funeral service for Leanna M. Henry will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating. Interment will follow at the Orleans Cemetery at Orleans.

Leanna Marie Henry, 83, of Orleans, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Bloomington, Nebraska, surrounded by her loving family.

Leanna was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas, on December 2, 1942, the fourth of five daughters born to Dick and Kathleen (Townsend) Culwell. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1960. Guided by a strong desire to help others, she pursued higher education at Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Speech Pathology.

Her devoted career as an educator began in the Kindergarten classroom before transitioning into Speech Pathology, where she served for over 40 years. Leanna loved her career and looked forward to going to work everyday. Leanna was defined by her patience, encouragement, and the genuine joy she found in her students' success. Whether working in the classroom or delivering milk for her family's dairy farm during her younger years, Leanna poured hard work and passion into everything she did.

Her love story began on a blind double date at the Phillipsburg Drive-In—where Duane and Leanna were on a double blind date with other people. Duane looked at Leanna, his friend's date and knew he had met the absolute girl of his dreams. Duane called Leanna every week from September until December when she finally said "Yes" to a date. Leanna always told her children a story of their parents' first date. After Duane picked Leanna up for their date and they were driving around, a present on the dash of the car kept falling into Leanna's lap. Eventually, Leanna threw the present in the back seat because it was becoming a nuisance. Come to find out, the romantic Duane had bought Leanna a gift for their very first date. Must have worked! They were engaged on February 7th, 1964, and were united in marriage on July 5, 1964, at the First Christian Church in Phillipsburg, Kansas. They made their home in Orleans, Nebraska, and were blessed with three children: Renee, Stacy, and Michael.

Leanna had an extraordinary heart with an endless capacity to love. She never met a stranger, welcomed everyone with open arms, and made sure no one left her presence feeling uncared for or without a kiss. Leanna was loved by many people, whether it be the agent of Ameriprise or the lady stopped for speeding by her son. A natural caregiver, Leanna expressed her love through food, believing a shared table was the heart of home and family. She held a deep love for flowers, delighting in the vibrant life they brought to her home and yard. Leanna loved her family and enjoyed every minute spent together. She always looked forward to the family trips to the horse races. Her dollar bets did not make her rich but she had a good time. Community was important to Leanna and she was active in several organizations including the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Delta Kappa Gamma, the American Legion Auxiliary, and P.E.O.

Leanna was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Kathleen Culwell; her beloved husband of 57 years, Duane Henry (2021); her four sisters: Pat McCready (Jerry), Dorothy Lewis (Derald), Naomi Griffin, and Barbara Culwell; her parents-in-law, Jesse and Clara Henry; and her sister-in-law, Darlene Jacobs.

She leaves behind a rich legacy of love through her family. She is survived by her children: Renee Haussermann and her husband, James, of Bloomington, NE; Stacy Lambert and her husband, Dereck, of Lincoln, NE; Michael Henry of Juniata, NE. She is also survived by 11 cherished grandchildren: Ethan Haussermann (Josie), Caitlyn Christiancy (Trenton), Chase Haussermann (special friend, Madison Kosse), Karsen Haussermann, Brehan Lambert (special friend, Jillian Buell), Avery Lambert, Tatum Lambert, Rowan Lambert, Teagan Frederick (Will), Isaac Henry, and Carter Henry; 7 great-grandchildren: Aila, Kelc, Duke, and Mara Haussermann; Kelen and Adalyn Christiancy; and Phoebe Frederick; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established in Leanna's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for a later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.