Leo Robert Linabery, age 90, of Valentine, NE passed away on January 12, 2023. Leo was born on March 25, 1932 to Mervin and Kate (Brinda) Linabery on his grandparents homestead in rural Cherry County, Nebraska, 5 miles north of Valentine, NE. Leo was named after his uncle Leo Brinda that was killed in France during WWI. Leo grew up in the Midway/Olsonville community in southern Todd County, SD on the ranch with his parents. Most of his family and friends called him Sonny when he was growing up. Leo graduated from Valentine High School in 1950. Leo stayed with his parents on the ranch until he was drafted into the army during the Korean War in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. After the Army, he moved back to the ranch.
Leo was united in marriage to Ruth Morgan on March 22, 1959, celebrating 60 years of marriage. Leo and Ruth had two sons and one daughter, Brad, Monte and Misty. In 1964, Leo and Ruth moved to the Rosebud/Lakeview area and established a new ranch. Leo prided himself in raising the best cattle in the county and in having the best pastures. In 1986, Leo was awarded the Todd County Range Man of the Year. Leo was an avid history buff and loved reading anything non-fiction, especially western and military history. He would often make side visits to find historical locations whenever he traveled in the area. He enjoyed taking side roads to see something new. Leo loved horses and always had a few colts out in the pasture. He usually chose the rankest for himself because they made the best cow horses. Leo was willing to take anyone in and give them a job and teach them how to ride, work cows and learn how to ranch. Leo and Ruth moved to town in 2019, but Leo still went to the ranch whenever he could.
Leo is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth, his parents, Mervin and Kate, and his brother Clinton.
Leo is survived by his children Brad (Laurie) of Fairmont, NE; Monte (Kathy) of rural Todd County, and Misty Hays (Jerry) of Dickinson, ND; his eight grandchildren, Trent Linabery (Kelsey) of Henderson, NE; Shayde Linabery (Katie) of McCool Junction, NE; Kassidy Linabery of Lincoln, NE; Leah (Wade) Burback of Casper, WY; Morgan (John) Shepherd of Douglas, WY, Jacey Hays of Wall, SD; Trace Hays of Moorhead, MN and Jamie Hays of Dickinson, ND; five great grandchildren, Hudson, Pieper, Leo and Brooks Linabery and Heston Shepherd; one sister Luree Lien of North Platte, NE and sister-in-law Karen Potter of Valentine, NE.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 5-9 pm at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines, in Valentine, NE, with family receiving friends at 7:00 PM.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 2 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Valentine followed by interment in Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the VFW Leo Brinda Post 90.
Sandoz' Chapel of the Pines in Valentine, Nebraska has been entrusted with arrangements.