Leland Variel Petsch Sr.

Aug. 12,1927--Sept. 20, 2010

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Leland Variel Petsch Sr., 83, died Monday (Sept. 20, 2010), at McCook Community Hospital.

Leland was born on Aug. 12, 1927, in Stratton, Nebraska to Frederick William and Mabel Adeline (Parsons) Petsch. He graduated from Stratton High School.

On July 11, 1945, he entered the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Charr Submarine during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 13, 1949.

On April 16, 1952, he was united in marriage to Billie Marie Swift in Denver, Colorado. Leland was employed with the Burlington Northern Railroad as a train master. The family lived in several locations due to the railroad before settling in McCook. He retired in 1982.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, McCook Elks and Eagles, AARP, Tri-State Amateur Radio Club, and Submarine Veteran's of World War II, where he held an office.

Leland's hobbies included golf, working on his computer, yard work and doing taxes for other people free of charge. He was an avid Husker and Bison fan.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Frederick and Mabel Petsch; one aunt, Dora Ruby; and one uncle, Dutch Petsch.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Billie Petsch of McCook; two sons, Frederick Allen and wife, Debra of McCook, and Leland Variel Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska; one brother, Lyle Petsch and wife, Virginia of Grand Island, Nebraska; numerous family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Thursday,9 a.m. until 8 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services are Friday, 1:30 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Pastor Clark Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military and Masonic honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements