North Platte, Nebraska
Jan 30, 1935 – Jan 1, 2015
Leonard Paul Vyhnalek, age 79 of North Platte, passed away Thursday January 1, 2015 at Great Plains Health.
Leonard was born on January 30, 1935 in Lincoln, NE to Joseph and Helen (Bezpalec) Vyhnalek. He attended St. James Grade School and Crete High School, graduating with the class of 1952. He graduated from Doane College in 1958 with a BA Degree; from UNL Law School in 1961 with a JD Degree; and was admitted to the NE State Bar Assoc. in June of 1961. He joined the army and was commissioned 1st Lt. in April 1961 and was promoted to Captain USAR JAGC in December 1962. After leaving the military he was employed at Beatty & Morgan Attorneys in North Platte, before becoming a partner to Beatty and Morgan from 1967 to 1976. He was admitted to Practice United States Supreme Court in 1972; and became Lincoln County Public Defender from 1969 to 1975 in North Platte. He was a partner in McCarthy, McCarthy & Vyhnalek from 1976 until 1986, when he began a solo practice. Leonard never really did retire!
During Leonard's distinguished career as an attorney, in which he celebrated 50 years as an attorney in 2011, he attained many impressive achievements. Highlighted are a monumental judgment in one client's favor that was nearly $2,000,000; the controversial case in which he defended Charles Simants; as well as trying several first degree murder cases in Lincoln, Keith, Dawson and Cherry Counties. He tried numerous civil cases both to Juries and Bench Trials; he was President of the Lincoln County Bar Assoc.; and Western NE Bar Assoc.; and served on many NE Bar Assoc. Committees. Aside from his love of the law, he enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and watching Husker football.
Leonard is survived by his children Kristen (James) Johnston of Gaithersburg, MD and Joseph (Kristin) Vyhnalek of North Platte; grandchildren Alex, Max and Jessica Johnston of Gaithersburg, MD and Kylie, Deklan and Tiernan Vyhnalek of North Platte; sister Mary Ann (Ron) Hagen of Bellevue, NE; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Wanda in 2010; and a granddaughter Natalie Jo Vyhnalek.
Memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday January 5, 2015 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Reverend James Golka as Celebrant. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 4, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Thinking of all the years I knew your dad and mom... so many years our parents were such good close friends. Thinking of your family during this time.
Sheri Roeder-Ramirez
January 19, 2015 | Lincoln, NE
I send my deepest sympathy to Leonard's family. I worked in a local law office when he came to North Platte. When he called our office, I knew right away who was calling because of that great basso voice. He was so witty -- always got a laugh when talking to him. May the memories of your dad bring you comfort. Ramona Anderson
January 07, 2015
My sympathies to Leonard's family. He was a pleasure to work with and I will miss our telephone conversations. Steffi Swanson, Bellevue, Nebraska
January 07, 2015
My sincere condolences to Leonard's family. Leonard was a Crete high school friend and was also my husband's (Tom) best man at our wedding nearly 60 years ago. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Bette Mares
January 04, 2015 | Wilber, NE
My sympathies to Kristen and Joe and your families. Leonard was one of our first friends when we moved to North Platte, and he remained a big part of our lives. He and Don had many "adventures" together. Leonard was a delight and an inspiration.
Peggy Girard
January 04, 2015
Leonard is among the most colorful fellows I've met in the legal profession. A true "teller of tales" who could have a room of colleagues all attentive and laughing with one of his classic stories about hunting, one of his legal escapades, or about a current event. He was one of the "good guys". May he rest in peace and may God be with his family during these days of loss and remembrance.
Marv Kieckhafer
January 04, 2015 | Council Bluffs, IA
Kirsten and family,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May you find comfort in God's loving arms as well as your family. Treasure the memories and special moments you shared. My prayers to you and your loved ones.
Judie (Folchert) Chaney.
Judie Chaney
January 03, 2015 | Houston, MO
Leonard was the first attorney I ever worked for when he was in partnership with Judge Morgan. He was good to work for and I learned a lot from him. When he defended Simants I helped with taking notes and sitting in on interviews with Mr. Simants, as well as with the psychiatrist Dr. Jack Anderson. I have great memories of my experience working for Leonard Vyhnalek and am sorry to hear of his death. He was a very unusual man, and very brilliant. My condolences to the family.
Janice Martin
January 03, 2015 | North Platte, NE
My sympathies to all the family. I will have a Mass said here in Crete for Leonard
Delmar Forst
January 03, 2015 | Crete, NE
