He was born on November 7, 1933, to John and Anna (Lindhorst) Rettig in Washington County KS.
Leonard grew up and developed his strong work ethic on the family farm, one mile south of the Nebraska border between Odell, NE and Hanover, KS. His family attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where Leonard also attended elementary school and was confirmed on March 21,1948. He then attended and graduated from Hanover High in 1952.
After graduation Leonard began his career in construction working for Purtzer and Dutton Construction in Hanover. Then, in March of 1956 at the age of 23, was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an assistant gunner, spending most of his service in Germany. Following his discharge in 1958, he returned to Kansas and to working for Purtzer and Dutton Construction in Emporia, KS.
On September 14, 1958, Leonard married LaVera Jones of Clay Center, KS. They were blessed with a daughter Robyn and 2 sons Brian and Rustyn.
Leonard and his family moved their trailer home to 25 job locations in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska over his 10 years in construction. However, even with all the moving, he always made sure they attended church and helped with church activities.
In 1968 Leonard moved his family to Lincoln, Nebraska where he began working for the Lincoln Water Department as a Crew Chief, they became members of Calvary Lutheran Church and purchased a home. Leonard served Calvary with his many talents for many years, building, planning and just keeping things in tip top shape.
Leonard retired from the water department in 1996 after 28 years, but not a moment was wasted. He spent his time passing on his abundance of knowledge to others, working on projects at Calvary, helping at other Lutheran churches, his beautiful woodworking, attending bible studies, playing cards and visiting with friends, along with following his grandchildren’s sporting activities. He was always on the go.
He was one amazing man, who showed us how to work hard and most of all taught us to love our Lord.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife LaVera, son Rustyn, his parents and brother Willard.
He is survived by his daughter Robyn Beaver (John), son Brian Rettig (Laura), grandchildren Joshua Beaver (Tessie), Bradley Rettig (Jessica), Lindsay Reger (Jason), Adam Rettig (Mandy), brother Eldon Rettig (Geraldine), nieces, nephews and his 15 great grandchildren,
Funeral Service at Christ Lincoln Church, 4325 Sumner Street. Lincoln, NE on March 7, 2024, at 11:00 am with lunch to follow. Graveside Service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery – 6800 S.14th St. Lincoln, NE
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Christ Lincoln hearing impaired project.