James Leonard of Holdrege passed away on Dec. 10, 2025.

James Dean Leonard was born on June 1, 1933, in Oconto, to Loren and Gladys (Smith) Leonard. The family moved near Callaway, where James attended and graduated from Callaway High School. James was drafted into the Army and served in Korea.

On Dec. 24, 1955, James married Donna Halouska in Broken Bow. In their young married years, they farmed at locations near Callaway, Broken Bow, Elwood, and Eustis, then moved to Central City, where James worked at the John Deere dealership. The couple later owned a John Deere dealership in Loup City; it closed in 1980. The couple moved to rural Elwood and then made their home in Holdrege.

James enjoyed farming, horses, hunting, and fishing with his grandsons.

James was baptized as an adult at the Lutheran Church in Eustis.

James was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Paul Leonard and Dan Leonard; sister and brother- in-law, Lillian (Irvin) Whipple; in-laws, Joe and Lela Halouska; and grandson-in-law, Bill Stepanek.

James is survived by his wife Donna of Holdrege; son, Jim (Marcia) Leonard of Kearney; daughters, Cheryl (Bob) Klausen of Rockville and Vicky (Brian) Zabka of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Verna Leonard and Glenda Leonard.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 15, at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www. govierbrothers.com.