Leland L Gaffney

Memorial book signing for Leland L. Gaffney will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska.

A private family inurnment will also be held at the Stamford Cemetery in Stamford, Nebraska at a later date.

Leland Leroy Gaffney, 76 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Leland was born July 3, 1938 on the family farm 3 ½ miles south of Woodruff in Phillips County, Kansas, the youngest of three children born to Orville and Leoma (Chambers) Gaffney. He received his primary education at a country school near his family farm and then graduated from Long Island High School at the age of sixteen at Long Island, Kansas.

Following his education, Leland began a career with the block company in Alma, Nebraska. On April 12, 1960 he was united in marriage to Linda R. Hauserman of Huntley, Nebraska and to this union three children were born: Deborah, Kevin and Pamela. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Leland went to work for Chris Lien in the construction field and focused his efforts on block and brick work throughout Nebraska. Later in years, Leland went out on his own and did block and brick work, constructed houses, and any carpentry work as a tradesman that needed to be done. His son, Kevin eventually joined him working side-by-side for several years in Gaffney Construction. In his retirement years he assisted Mona Cohagan at the Prairie Home Cemetery with maintenance.

Leland was an avid sports fan, and most of all he loved attending his grandchildren's activities. He was a 44 year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in Holdrege and Kearney.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Orville E. "Babe" Gaffney; brother-in-law, Orin Rodenbaugh; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Theodore and Evelyn Hauserman.

Leland leaves to celebrate his life; his wife of 55 years, Linda Gaffney of Holdrege; two daughters: Deb Neilson and her husband, Rick of Alma, and Pam "P.J." Jons and her husband, Bob of Holdrege; one son, Kevin Gaffney and his special friend, Jane Presnell of Carson City, Nevada; six grandchildren: Erin Williams and her husband, Philip, Jeremy Neilson and his wife, Brittany, Lucas Gaffney, and Shelbey, Tanner and Jacey Jons; two great-grandchildren: Solomon and Wesley Williams; one sister, Crystal Rodenbaugh of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Illma Gaffney of Marion, Ohio; brother-in-law, Rick Hauserman and his wife, Melodee of Minden, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Leland's honor and will be designated at a later date.

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

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.