James Leroy Kuck

James Leroy Kuck

A Visitation for Leroy Kuck will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A Funeral service with a Video Tribute from his family, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with Mr. Joe Wilken officiating. The family asks that you wear your denim and boots to the visitation and funeral, in his honor.

A private interment will be held at the Robb Cemetery, Gosper County, Nebraska.

James Leroy Kuck, 85, of Bertrand, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Born on January 1, 1939, in Oxford, Nebraska, Leroy was the second of five children born to Waldo "Pete" and Helen "Georgia" (Christensen) Kuck.

Leroy attended a Rural School District through third grade before continuing his education at Bertrand Community School, where he graduated in 1956. Although he wasn't particularly fond of school, he made sure to study enough to participate in sports. His tombstone will mark his departure from this world, but his spirit lives on through his ornery nature, his passion for cattle and farming, and his deep love for family.

On August 11, 1957, Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Fastenau. The couple began farming southwest of Bertrand in 1958, starting with just a small cow herd. They bought a farmhouse west of Bertrand in 1965, where they raised their four children: Bretta, Kallen, Joni, and Gina. Leroy's strong work ethic was a hallmark of his life, and he instilled this same dedication in his family and those he worked with. One of his memorable quotes was, "There's three ways to do things. The right way, the wrong way, and the halfway. Around here, I expect us to do it the right way, the first time." Leroy was known for being a tough yet tender-loving man.

An innovator at heart, Leroy continually sought ways to improve efficiency on the farm, from breaking out pastures and installing pivots to adopting new techniques like dumping grain on the go while harvesting. He had a knack for seeing potential in neglected land and never shied away from a challenge, whether it involved a mean cow in the herd or a new project. Among his many joys were watching sports, enjoying his fast 'toys', his hobby elk, visiting Montana and the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Leroy attended Evangelical Free Church south of Bertrand and was a member of the Nebraska Angus Association.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Loretta Kuck of over 67 years; their four children and their families: Bretta (Ron) Robison of Alma, Nebraska; and their four children, Lanay (Adam) Smith, parents of Jayna, Landan and Madalyn; Rebecca (Ryan) Swanson, parents of Annika, Nels and Rhys; Jessica (Forrest) Swanson, parents of Piper and Bree; and Adrian (Brent) Stroebel, parents of Avery, Ellie and Kensley.

Kallen (Kris) Kuck of Bertrand; and their seven children: Abraham (Stacy) Kuck; Jordan (Brittney) Kuck, parents of Anja and Uli; Kaleb (Erin) Kuck; Isaac (Mary) Kuck, parents of Bella, Chloe and Samuel; Atonna (Nathan) Siemens, parents of Ellianna and Henry; Megan (Thane) Motis, parents of Emmie, Lynden and a baby boy on the way; and Jenna (Clinton) Urbanovsky, parents of Nicklin.

Joni (Lars) Ostrom of Lexington, Nebraska; and their four children: Andrew (Kathleen) Ostrom, parents of Theo and Luca; Brittany (Tyler) Hueftle, parents of Kaden, Carter and Emma; Rachel (Colton) May, parents of Gentry and a baby boy on the way; and Hannah (Evan) Jenkins, parents of Hadley and a baby boy on the way.

Gina (Russ) Frack of Norton, Kansas; and their two children, Brendon (Chaylee) Frack, parents of Kolsen; and Kara (Nate) Hendricks.

He is also survived by two sisters: Pat Strong of Holdrege and Lyla (Bob) Cadenhead of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Shari Kuck of Bertrand; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of extended family members.

Leroy is joining the following people in Heaven; his parents, Pete and Georgia Kuck; his brothers: Randall Kuck; and Wally Kuck; and a brother-in-law, Joe Strong.

Memorials in Leroy's honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.