Edgar "Ed" L. Leeper
September 24, 1953 - June 20, 2026
It is with profound sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Ed Leeper, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ed peacefully departed this world on June 20, 2026, at the age of 72.
Born on September 24, 1953, in Greenfield, Iowa, Ed was the son of the late Leo and Santa Leeper. Ed's journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and a stubborn spirit. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Wesley and Larry; his sister, Carol Stanley; and his in-laws, Floyd and Martha Janecek.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of over fifty years, Nancy Janecek Leeper, and his daughters: Rebecca Leeper of Tulsa, OK; Molly Reynolds and her husband, Brad, with their children, Emma and Maddox, of Olathe, KS; Jennifer Leeper Miller and her husband, Henry, with their children, Leo, Ruby, and Dexter, of Lincoln, NE; Emily Carlson and her husband, Casey, with their children, Wyatt and Piper, of Hooper, NE; and grandson Jared Clark and his wife, Alex Dudley Clark, of Lincoln, NE.
Ed is also survived by his brother, Leo Leeper, and sisters, Pat Lebs and Rita Weltikol, all of Fremont, as well as sisters Laura Smith and Linda Thiele of Texas, and his sisters-in-law, Mary Heineman and Joanne Thomas (husband Don). He leaves behind eight adored grandchildren who were the light of his life.
Ed was a graduate of Fremont High School in 1971, after meeting his lifelong partner, Nancy, at the tender age of 16, they married on November 24, 1972, and settled in Fremont, NE. In 1978, they acquired a bar, affectionately named the Blue Lantern, in Winslow, Nebraska. Ed cherished the small-town life, raising his daughters and grandson, Jared, with Nancy.
His community spirit shone brightly through his years of service with the Winslow Fire Department and squad, where he served as captain and taught CPR. He served as mayor of the village for many years.
Ed's professional life was diverse and fulfilling, with three distinct careers, each spanning 15 years. He worked at Hormel's, followed by a tenure at Valmont Industries as an EMT and in security, and concluded his professional journey with General Fire and Safety in sales and service. Ed also held a National EMT certification and underwent extensive firemanship training.
Affectionately known as ''Catfish Eddie,'' Ed was passionate about fishing and airboating, a love he shared with his family and many fishing buddies. He was the best grand marshal of Smiley's annual Catfish Days, and the airboat launches from their place on the Elkhorn were cherished traditions.
He had a fondness for card playing and gambling, from Hormel poker parties to betting on the ponies, always with a twinkle in his eye and a friendly smile.
Ed's life was a testament to resilience and love. He courageously battled and overcame personal challenges for the love of his family, celebrating years of sobriety and being smoke-free. He survived a heart valve replacement and bravely managed diabetes from his 30s onward.
A true adventurer at heart, Ed participated in demolition derbies, including a combine demo at the Nebraska State Fair, and survived a mayor's race hot rod crash in Columbus. He also found joy in coaching his daughters' softball teams through high school.
In his later years, Ed found immense happiness in road trips with Nancy and attending his grandchildren's sports events. The legacy of his love and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
A celebration of Ed's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Ed's years of service as a fireman and EMT. Donations may be made to the Hooper Fire Department.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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