LeRoy D. Buethe

LeRoy Dale Buethe, 85, of Lincoln, formerly of  Elk Creek and Tecumseh, was called home for Christmas by his Heavenly Father, Saturday, December 17, 2022.  He was born February 9, 1937 to Reuben and Ida Buethe in Tecumseh, Nebraska. LeRoy was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Elk Creek.  He attended Elk Creek grade school and St. Peter's Parochial School and graduated from Elk Creek High School, May 1954.  His military service spanned nine years beginning in 1954 with a tank battalion in Auburn and then this unit was changed to infantry. LeRoy continued to serve with this unit until his honorable discharge July 11, 1963.

After high school, LeRoy found employment with local farmers, edged stones for houses in Lincoln and helped Elmo Gottula survey.  He worked for Elk Creek Grain for several years.  It was while working there that he was approached by members of the State of Nebraska Department of Roads to come to work and help with survey work.  The first year LeRoy declined their offer, but the next summer when they approached him again he accepted.  Thus began a 41 year career, from inspector of dirt work on road construction and survey work to Project Manager on new road construction, a position he held until his retirement, March 31, 2000. 

On June 11, 1958, LeRoy married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Hillers at the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church.   They lived in the Elk Creek area for four years, and then moved to Tecumseh which was closer to his work base.  In May of 2018, his health required them to move to Assisted Living in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

LeRoy enjoyed playing golf and fishing with friends and family, travel to Denmark, Germany and Norway as well as improving the yard at their home.  He was a life-long member of the Lutheran faith.  LeRoy held several offices in the St. Peter's and St. John's Churches including Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary/Treasurer, Congregational Secretary, Financial Secretary, Vice-President, President and Elder.  LeRoy was active in the Lutheran Layman's League, holding several offices, locally, zone and state.  A highlight was attending LLL conventions and renewing friendships.  

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn, sons and daughters-in-law, Terrance and Joyce Buethe and Rodney and Pamela Buethe all of Gretna, daughter Lynette Thelen of Lincoln, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chris and Kim Buethe and Jaxin and Elijah of Gretna, Patty and Mike Fulton and Noah of Bellevue, Josh and Hannah Buethe and Gavin, Lawson and Swayzie of Gretna, Jason Buethe of Gretna, Kyle and Cassie Thelen and Emmi and Kayla of Lincoln and Allison and Justin Spaulding and Hadley, Sadie and Reed of Kearney, sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Don Sacks of Lincoln, nieces and nephews and their children, Cindy Gronewald and Jesse and Austin of Beatrice, David and Tonya Sacks and Justin and Jordan of Lincoln and Shari and Mark Bahensky and Eric, Ryan and Emily of Lincoln.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Buethe, father, Rueben Buethe, step-mother, Ruth Buethe, parents-in-law Edward and Eleonora Hillers, infant grandson Jared Ian Buethe and son-in-law Kim Thelen.  

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating.   The family requests casual dress.  

A register book will be available for signatures from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  

Memorials may go to the St. John's Lutheran Preschool or the family's choice.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska, with full military rites by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the Tecumseh American Legion and VFW Posts.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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