Lealand "Ross" Winz

     A Memorial Service for Ross Winz will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Holdrege Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Brad Perry officiating. Inurnment will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Nebraska.

     Lealand “Ross” Winz, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. Ross was born on December 30, 1935, in Harlan County near the old Republican City, Nebraska, the youngest of seven children born to William B. and Cora (Barnes) Winz. The family moved north of Alma, and then in 1939, they moved west of Huntley, Nebraska. Ross attended Huntley School through the fifth grade. In 1947, they moved west of Ragan, where he finished school, graduating with the class of 1954. Upon graduation, he began working for Allmand Brothers Manufacturing in Holdrege. 

     On June 15, 1958, he married Joy Kellner and to this union, they were blessed with two sons: Mark and Rex. The family made their home in Holdrege where Ross continued his long career at Allmand Brothers, retiring in 2000, after 44 years. After retirement, Ross spent many hours in his woodshop building clocks, lamps, doll cradles, and his favorite project, building musical instruments, the mountain dulcimers. He made more than 20; selling some, gifting some to special friends, and donating many for community benefit projects. 

     Ross, Joy, and Archie Robinson enjoyed entertaining at the local care homes. Archie played the banjo, Joy would sing, and Ross played guitar, dulcimer, and the button accordion. Ross was also a song writer, and was proud of his song, "Just a Poor Sinner." 

     Ross was a faithful, lifelong member of the Holdrege Methodist Church where he was active in many capacities including: singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, ushering, and serving on various committees. He was proud to have received his 75-year membership pin in 2026. He enjoyed volunteering at the Holdrege Library and the Nebraska Prairie Museum and delivered Meals on Wheels. Ross loved his family and treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. He truly enjoyed his life! 

     He is survived by his sons: Mark Winz and his wife, Anne Marie of Orlando, Florida; and Rex Winz and his wife, Val of Arkansas City, Kansas; two grandchildren: Michael Winz and Bethany Winz of Verona, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law: Nadine Winz of Holdrege; along with extended family members.

     Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joy, in January 2014; his parents-in-law, Ernest and Verna Kellner; four brothers, Harold "Mike” Winz and wife, Mary; Calvin Winz and wife, Dawn; Billie Winz and wife, Erma; and Ray Winz; two sisters: Ruth Eldhardt and husband, Leo; and Evelyn Minnick and husband, Ralph; sister-in-law, Gwen Waples and husband, Don; and two brothers-in-law: Dick Kellner; and Verle Ernest.

     A memorial book signing will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

     A memorial has been established in Ross’ honor to the family for future designation.

     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.

A favorite comment: "The body is shot, but the old man inside is OK."