Gary Dean Leibhart, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 27, 2023 at Great Plains Health surrounded by his family. He was born October 4, 1940 to June and Ilene (Hammans) Leibhart at Callaway, Nebraska where he was raised.
Gary Graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1958. In 1959, Gary hired on at Colorado Southern Railroad as a depot agent in Berthoud, CO and this is where he met his future wife, Josephine Ramos. On April 25, 1960, Gary married Josephine at Longmont, Colorado and was blessed with four children: Gerald, Loretta, Sandra, and Teresa.
Gary hired out at Union Pacific Railroad as a Telegrapher in 1960 and continued working for the railroad as a Train Dispatcher at Harriman Dispatch Center in Omaha. Due to health issues, Gary retired in 1995 with 37 years of service.
Gary loved nothing more than to simply spend time with his children, grandchildren, and most of all his great grandchildren, who could do nothing wrong in his eyes. He loved telling stories, teasing, and going to their sporting events.
Gary also remained close to his classmates and loved attending his class reunions. The memories they have will never be forgotten and neither will their laughter.
Gary enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball and the Huskers play football. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em with family and friends. He also enjoyed shooting pool and was a member of the Eagles Club #2839.
Gary will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for all his family and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, June and Ilene Leibhart; granddaughter, Melissa (Leibhart) Vargas; sister, Deanna Harriman; brother, Darrell Leibhart.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Josephine Leibhart of North Platte; children, Gerald Leibhart and Loretta Johnson, of North Platte, Sandra (Eric Sr.) Danielson of Queen Creek, AZ, Teresa (David) Neff of North Platte; grandchildren, Greggory (Hope) Leibhart, Danielle (Chancy) Tomlinson of North Platte, Eric Jr. (Amy) Danielson of Gilbert, AZ, Edwin, Timothy, and Tina Neff of North Platte, Trista (Sean) Goodfellow of Chandler, AZ; great grandchildren, Christina Neff, Jonathan Mondragon, Kaylie, Ashlynn, and Graedon Leibhart, Jace and Cade Tomlinson, all of North Platte, Aubrey Danielson of Gilbert, AZ; sister, Karen Dodge of North Platte; sister-in-law, Kathy Leibhart of Mullen; brother-in-law, Don Harriman of Montrose, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Memorials are suggested in Gary’s memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation was chosen. Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 2, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with pastor Dean Haidle officiating. A reception will be held following the service at Peg Leg Brewery, 2519 Halligan Drive, North Platte, NE. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.