Leonard Vacha, 96, of Clarkson, Nebraska, died Monday, August 26, 2024, at Clarkson Community Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson with Fr. Stan Schmit and Fr. Rod Kneifl concelebrating the Mass.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM vigil service, all at the church.  Visitation will continue Friday from 9:30 AM until Mass time, again at the church.  Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery.  Memorials are suggested as those of the family or donor's choice.

Leonard Vacha was born June 22, 1928, to Edward and Antionette (Marik) Vacha, in his parents' home in rural Howells, Nebraska.  He was baptized and confirmed at St Johns Catholic Church in Howells.  Leonard attended rural school District 38 in Colfax County through the 8th grade.  He then stayed home to help his dad with farming until he was drafted into the United States Army on January 24, 1952.  Leonard was honorably discharged on March 31, 1954.  He then returned to farming and feeding cattle, raising hogs, and helping neighbors when needed.

Leonard was united in marriage to Lorraine Luella Groteluschen on September 11, 1956, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leigh, Nebraska. To this union four children were born:  Janet Lou, Linda Kay, Terry Lee, and Larry Michael.

Leonard was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as a board member on the Farmers Union Board in Clarkson.  He was an active VFW member of Post 6419 in Clarkson until it disbanded and was a member of the Post 4836 in Schuyler, NE until his death.

His greatest enjoyment was getting together with family, grandkids, great-grandkids, and friends.  When able he loved to travel the countryside to check on the crops. He also enjoyed collecting John Deer Toys and along with his buddies going to threshing reunions and Husker Harvest Days.  In his earlier years you would find Leonard and Lorraine on the dance floor and taking trips, especially to Czech Festivals.   Prior to entering the nursing home, you would find them going for coffee and hamburgers daily.  His years at the nursing home was spent sharing a Black Berry Brandy with anyone and everyone that would take a shot with him.  Especially his family whether you liked it or not.

Leonard is survived by:
Daughter - Janet (George) Stockamp of Scribner, NE
Daughter - Linda (Larry) Prokopec of Clarkson, NE
Son - Larry (friend Kim Faltys) Vacha of Clarkson, NE
Eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren
Brother - Jim (Ruth) Vacha of Kimberling City, MO
Brother - Richard Vacha of Clarkson, NE
Many nieces and nephews

Leonard was proceeded in death by:
Parents – Edward and Antoinette Vacha
Wife - Lorraine Vacha (2020)
Son - Terry Vacha (2004)
Grandsons - Eric Vacha, Jeffrey Stockamp, and Terry Lee Vacha Jr.
Brothers - Eddie [(Norma Hassebrook (Bill)] Vacha, Lambert (Bonnie) Vacha, Lumir (Kathrine) Vacha, Albin (Evelyn) Vacha, George (Claudette) Vacha, and Adolph (Bonnie) Vacha
Sister-In-Law - Darlene Vacha
In-law - Henry and Helena Groteluschen
Brothers-in-law - Karl (Marjorie) Groteluschen, Henry Groteluschen
Sister-in-law - Luella (James) Kirk