Leo B. Kroenke

On September 21, 1931, Leo Bud Kroenke was born in Red Oak, Iowa, to Octavia and Bud Kroenke. As a very young child he helped his dad with chores and fur trapped along the river. He attended one day of Kindergarten and was passed straight on to 1st grade. He always found work throughout his boyhood to make extra money, including hitch-hiking to Texas for summer work. He built his own cars from scrap bodies and parts, wrecking several, but amazingly without any personal injuries.

Leo met Margaret Lou Schiltz in 1948 in Harlan, Iowa. Three years later in 1951 he enlisted with the Marines to fight in the Korean War. Marg graduated from high school and took a bus out to Oceanside California to wed her sweetheart before he shipped out. She arrived on August 4th and they were married the same day.

Leo returned from Korea after being badly injured by a mortar shell, but he never saw himself as handicapped. He and his lovely bride of 73 years raised 2 sons, Bryan and Brent in Omaha. He was devoted to his family and they were all united in their love of sports. Leo coached his sons as boys and rarely missed a game through their teens and adult lives. This tradition continued as he followed his grandchildren's and then great-grandsons sporting events.

Leo was an active family man, an admired work colleague, a helpful neighbor, and a community volunteer. He loved playing games, working in the yard, cooking out on the grill, and doing the occasional handyman project. He and family members even built a kit house in Eldon, Missouri. Leo enjoyed a good prank or practical joke and was often the instigator. He had a fun nickname for his children and grandkids. But what Leo loved the most was his beloved wife, Margaret. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

There will be a Funeral Service for Leo at 3:00 PM with Visitation 2:00 - 3:00 PM Thursday (5/1/2025) at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, NE.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel - 2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com