Leander J. Hamling
1937 – 2011
Leander J. “Lee” Hamling, age 74, of York, NE, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 in Lincoln, NE, following a very courageous six month battle with Leukemia.
He was born March 15, 1937 at Petersburg, NE to Edward and Clara (Spieker) Hamling. Lee graduated from St. Boniface High School in Elgin, NE.
Following graduation he served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1959 and was married to Joyce Janning on September 8, 1959 at Elgin. Lee attended Platte College where he received his associate’s degree in business management. He worked for the Loup Power District and NPPD for a total of 35 years prior to his retirement. Lee was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in York, the Knights of Columbus, and a former member of the Lions Club. Lee had a lifelong love of deer hunting, camping, and fishing, but enjoyed traveling, coin collecting and tinkering in his “Doghouse” as well.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 51 years, Joyce of York; four sons, Dave (Lori) Hamling, and Dean (Sherry) Hamling of York, John Hamling of Kearney, NE, and Brian (Reneé) Hamling of Corpus Christi, TX; one daughter Nancy (Dave) Dickey of York.
Lee also leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Ryan, Adam, Erik and Lexi Hamling, Laura Howard, Aaron and Emily Dickey, Savannah Hamling, Daniel, Mary, Nora and Joe Hamling; two step-grandchildren, Justin Harcrow and Heather Davis; one great-grandson James Howard; and two step-great-grandchildren, Karson Harcrow and Everett Davis.
Lee is also survived by his mother, Clara Schmitz of York and step-father Bob Schmitz of Grand Island, NE; brother LeRoy Hamling of Forsyth, MO; one niece and one nephew. Preceding him in death were his father Edward and infant daughter Joan Ellen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will was celebrated Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in York with the Reverend Monsignor James Reinert officiating.
Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery, York. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the masses. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary, York NE, is handling arrangements.
