Leonard Wilhelm Dicke, 97, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Arbor Care Centers - Countryside in Madison, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 13 at 10:30 AM, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, with Rev. Dr. Chris Alexander officiating.  Interment with military honors by the American Legion, Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard, will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Monday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek.

Leonard Wilhelm Dicke was born December 10, 1926, in Platte County, Nebraska, to Louis D. and Helene (Oltman) Dicke.  He was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, where he was baptized and confirmed.  Leonard attended Platte County District #2 School and graduated from Kramer High School in 1944.  On October 9, 1950, Leonard enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged on July 22, 1952.  Throughout his two years in the Army, Leonard was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars.

After returning from military duty, Leonard once again went back to the family farm.  On June 19, 1966, he was united in marriage to Dolores Goedeken at Christ Lutheran Church in rural Columbus.  The couple made their home on the family farm northeast of Columbus.  Dolores died on December 13, 1992.  On December 28, 1997, Leonard was united in marriage to Katherine (Drinnin) Rodehorst at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Leonard loved farming, woodworking, fishing, and playing cards.  He was an avid reader of western novels, especially those of Louis L'Amour, and enjoyed watching westerns and John Wayne movies.

Leonard is survived by:
Wife – Katherine Dicke of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Amy (Bradley) Volcek of Merkel, TX
Son – Mark (Stephanie) Dicke of Columbus, NE
Five Grandchildren
Step-son – Timothy (Linda) Rodehorst of Columbus, NE
Step-daughter -Linda (David) Gocken of Mound City, MO
Step-daughter – Donna Wagner of Pittsboro, IN
Step-daughter – Susan Kuszak of Lincoln, NE
Numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren

Leonard was preceded in death by:
Parents – Louis and Helene Dicke
Infant Son
Wife – Dolores Dicke
Brothers – John (Eileen), Ernest (Verna), and David (Margaret) Dicke
Sisters – Mabel (William) Durkop, Edna (Martin) Reinke, and Elva Dicke
Step-son – Michael Wagner