Leon E. Fox

Mass of Christian Burial for Leon E. Fox will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Father Thomas Lux as celebrant.  Interment will be held in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with military honors provided by the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Leon Edward Fox, 93 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, following a courageous battle with cancer.  Leon was born September 2, 1926 on the family farm, northwest of Smithfield in Gosper County, Nebraska, the eldest of three children to Edward Paul and Antonia Emma (Seifert) Fox.  He received his primary education from District #69, and District #21.  Leon then attended Bertrand Public Schools, graduating from Bertrand High School with the class of 1944.

Following his education, Leon began a lifelong career of farming north of Bertrand and Loomis.  On April 10, 1951, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on January 30, 1953.

On October 20, 1973, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Faye "Lovie" Young at All Saints Catholic Church.  Leon lovingly accepted Lorraine's children:  Diane, Brian, and Sherry as his own.  The family made their home on the farm north of Loomis.  On March 1, 1999, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine.  Farming continued to be his passion until his retirement in 2000, at which time he moved into Holdrege.  On May 28, 2005, he was united in marriage to Hazel Charlotte Linner, and the couple made their home in Holdrege.  Leon and Hazel enjoyed traveling together, which included several states, and a special trip to Germany.  They also loved to attend dances together on a weekly basis.  Leon was always very helpful assisting Hazel with her crafting as well.  After retirement, Leon enjoyed eating at the Senior Center each day, where he could visit with many friends.  He was also a devoted blood donor, donating 26 gallons of blood throughout the years to the Blood Mobile.

In his younger years, Leon enjoyed playing softball and bowling.  Leon was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege; a member of the Knights of Columbus; member of the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66; the V.F.W. in Bertrand; and the Eagles Club.

Besides his parents, and his wife, Lorraine; Leon was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Lawrence and Faye Young; granddaughter, Amanda Martin; his brother, LaVern Fox in infancy; brothers-in-law:  Harry Gardine, Kenneth Maaske, and Keith Young and his wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Arvilla "Micky" Burkholder and her husband, Norm; one niece, Connie Brooks; and a great-niece, Amy Furlong.

Leon leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Hazel Fox of Holdrege; seven daughters:  Diane Martin of Holdrege; Sherry Gray and her husband, Jim of Norfolk, Nebraska; Charlotte Hester and her husband, Bob of Fairmont, Nebraska; Barb Straatmann and her husband, Rick of Holdrege; Carol Dohmen and her husband, Dennis of Platte Center, Nebraska; Donise George and her husband, Glenn of Hutto, Texas; and Ronda Booth and her husband, Terry of Holdrege; six sons:  Brian Ridgley of Terre Haute, Indiana; Charles Cuypers and his wife, Judy of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Tom Cuypers of Torrington, Wyoming; Michael Cuypers of Edgeley, North Dakota; Dwayne Cuypers and his wife, Theresa of Holdrege; and Bryon Cuypers of Holdrege; 29 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Maaske of Bertrand; brothers-in-law:  Loren Young and his wife, Sharon of Longmont, Colorado; Gary Young of Holdrege; Doug Young and his wife, Bonnie of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established in Leon's honor, and kindly suggested to the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Center.

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.