Leonard F. Yakus, CMSgt USAF (Retired)

Leonard was born January 25^th, 1937 in Luzerne, PA.  He left at the age of 17 to join the United States Air Force.  He served as a Chief Master Sergeant for 11 years and retired after 27 years.  When he was promoted, he was the youngest Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force.  He was a veteran who served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 where he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  Before retiring, he was the Chief for the Strategic Air Command for three Surgeon Generals and SAC 22 Medical facilities.  He was the Chief of Ehrling Berquist Hospital from 1976 to 1981.  Leonard was proud of his service to our country.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a director at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Bergan Mercy Skilled Nursing.  His life was spent helping others and loving his family.  He died in his sleep on August 26, 2023.

Leonard was active with the Omaha Sunrise Lions, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and St. Leo’s Catholic Church.  He attended Mass daily.  He and his wife, Jonece, traveled widely.  He was an avid Husker Fan.  In his later years, he enjoyed reading and gardening.

He is survived by his wife Jonece K. Yakus and sons Michael (Karen) Yakus, Raymond (Lauren) Yakus, Robert (Kathe) Yakus, and Brent (Amber) Schulz.  His grandchildren are Maggie (Keenan) Hahn, Matthew Yakus, Christopher Yakus, Tyler Schulz, Katie Yakus, and Renee Yakus.  Surviving brothers Alfred (Ruth) Kamus, Robert (Marilyn) Kamus, sister Pattie Hosier, sister-in-law LaVonn C. DeBus and Missy the cat.  He was proceeded in death by deceased wife Catherine Yakus, mother of his sons, and many brothers and sisters. 

Memorials to Nebraska Humane Society or Tunnels to Towers.