Leroy Leo Lebeda, of Schulenburg, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the age of 91 years.
He was born on Feb.19, 1930 at home on the family farm in Dubina, and was the eldest child of Leo Lebeda and Mary (Krecmer) Lebeda. It was at a local dance hall, Leroy met the love of his life, Gladys Dieringer. They were married on Oct.18, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia. At the time of Gladys’ death in 2014, the couple had celebrated 61 years of marriage.
Leroy entered the U.S. Army in May 1953, and was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen. After his honorable discharge in May 1955, he returned to Weimar to work as a butcher for Scott Brothers Grocery. In 1958, Leroy and Gladys moved to Schulenburg, where they raised their family. After working as a butcher at Piggly Wiggly and later Kaase Supermarket, Leroy became an independent candy route salesman, delivering candy to stores in Schulenburg and nearby communities. In 1979, Leroy and Gladys opened G&L Shoe Repair, serving the community for the next 34 years, until their retirement in 2013.
Leroy and Gladys were devoted parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Leroy served as an usher for many years and worked countless church picnics. He joined the local Knights of Columbus and was an honorary life member at the time of his death. Leroy was a member of the American Legion, McBride Post 143 for over 62 years. He was a past chaplain and served as a member of the American Legion’s Honor Guard.
Leroy is survived by his sons, Dennis Lebeda and wife Lorriee of Schulenburg and Bruce Lebeda and wife Joann of Schulenburg; daughter-in-law, Grace Lebeda of Schulenburg; sister, Rose Kobza and husband Milton of Manvel; brother, Wilbert Lebeda and wife Diana of Weimar; sister-in-law, Maxine Stoner of Schulenburg; grandchildren, Melissa Prihoda and husband Josh of Magnolia, Matthew Lebeda and wife Allison of Hollywood, Maryland, Austin Lebeda of Fort Worth, and Logan Lebeda and wife Chelsea of Bryan; five great-grandchildren;and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys, and son Michael.
Visitation was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Schulenburg on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., followed by an American Legion service, and the Knights of Columbus and parish rosary. The funeral Mass at 11 a.m. was officiated by Fr. Timothy Kosler. Readings and responsorial psalms were read by Chelsea Lebeda and Daphne Prihoda. A reflection of Leroy’s life was given by Melissa Prihoda and music was provided by D’vine Testament. Interment followed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery with full military honors by the American Legion, McBride Post 143 Honor Guard.
Pallbearers were Austin Lebeda, Logan Lebeda, Josh Prihoda, Tanner Prihoda, Mike Krecmer, Mike Klesel and Keith Hansen. Honorary pallbearers were Matthew Lebeda, Benjamin Lebeda, Zachary Lebeda, Oliver Lebeda, Dean Kobza and Howard Stoner.
Schwenke-Baumgarten was in charge of arrangements.