Michael Dean Leibrandt

Michael Dean Leibrandt

March 19, 1959 - Aug. 23, 2024

McCOOK, Neb. - Michael Dean Leibrandt was born on March 19, 1959 to Norman and Lila (Burton) Leibrandt at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook. He joined a family that included a sister, Barbara, and later, a brother, Daniel and sister, Sharon. Mike was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church and later confirmed in the faith and continued as a member throughout his life. He attended West Ward elementary and graduated from McCook High School in 1978. The following year, he attended McCook Community College on a full ride scholarship, majoring in art.

Mike spent his childhood like many small-town boys. He pitched in Little League baseball, and participated in Punt, Pass and Kick from 1969 to 1972. He played football in the 70s and basketball during his years at MHS. After high school he continued to play softball with a traveling team and a church league. He learned to hunt and fish by his father’s side and later spent days fishing with his family and hunting with his son.

During high school, Mike fell in love with Patricia Ruppert. They married on Oct. 3, 1981 at Peace Lutheran Church. Mike and Patty were nearly inseparable, enjoying working and playing together. The duo became a trio in 1991, when the couple was blessed with a son, Eric Joseph. Mike loved his family with a passion and was so proud of them. Patty was his support during all his adventures and was always by his side during his long illness. Eric followed many of Mike’s passions and was always his “cappy”.

Mike was an avid artist, drawing during every spare minute. He painted mainly wildlife and worked with acrylics. He also enjoyed bowling and was inducted into the McCook Bowling Hall of Fame in 2015. He and Patty competed in mix doubles play for 40 years and coached youth bowling when Eric took up the sport.

Auto racing was another passion of Mike’s. He not only watched NASCAR and followed Jeff Gordon, but he also put together a car to race on the dirt tracks in the area. He drove car #55 and competed, until a crash convinced him that this was not for him. Later, he spent hours constructing and painting models of the cars he competed against.

The other sport that consumed his time was football as he followed the McCook Bison on Fridays, the NU Huskers on Saturday, and the KC Chiefs on Sunday. He admired the talent, but also the sportsmanship of each team.

Mike spent most of his working life in the food service industry. He loved to cook and experiment with recipes. He worked for Pizza Hut in McCook and Sidney, Pizza Village, Bonanza, Schmick’s, McDonald’s, and Arby’s. But more than the food, Mike enjoyed the customers. He teased and chatted with them and was always checking to make sure the older folks were doing well. He and Patty owned Mike’s Achievement Plus, a trophy store, for many years.

Mike’s final chapter was written when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2020. He battled bravely for four years, with God by his side and his wife as his constant companion. He died peacefully at home in McCook on Aug. 23, 2024 surrounded by his family and the promise of eternal life with his Savior.

Although these times were difficult, Mike and Pat are extremely grateful for the support they received from their families and friends, the community of McCook, the family of Peace Lutheran Church and the doctors and medical staff of McCook Community Hospital and University of Nebraska Medical Center. A special thank you to his anonymous stem cell donor.

Mike’s surviving family includes his wife, Patty and son, Eric; his beloved mother, Lila Leibrandt; siblings, Barbara (Tom) Dill of Allen, Tex., Daniel (Dawn) Leibrandt of Lathrop, Mo., and Sharon (Mike) Webster of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Doris Ruppert; in-laws, Donnie (Diane) Ruppert of McCook, Jeff (Angie) Ruppert of McCook, Susan (Bruce) Hagan of Culbertson, and Peggy (Kirk) Messinger of McCook; as well as nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving father, Norman Leibrandt; father-in-law, Donald Ruppert; and his grandparents, Gus and Lydia Leibrandt and Arthur and Gladys Burton.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, Aug. 29, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook with Pastor Lonnie Felcher officiating. The Leibrandt family asks that you please wear red to the services as a way of honoring Mike and his favorite teams, the McCook Bison, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials are suggested to the family of Michael Leibrandt for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.