Freddie Leibhart

Freddie Dean Leibhart, age 79, was peacefully taken to rest on October 5, 2025. Born on September 19, 1946, near Callaway, Nebraska, Freddie was the beloved son of Fredrick Willard and Helen Louise (Nelson) Leibhart.

Affectionately known as “Big Fred,” he received his early education in rural Custer County and graduated from Oconto High School in 1965. On January 16, 1966, Freddie married Sharron Elaine Weatherly, in Broken Bow. Together they raised five children.

He went on to attend Omaha Barber College, completing his training in 1966. Freddie began his professional career as a barber at Ache and Pain in Broken Bow, where he worked for two years before making a life-changing decision to return to the land.

Freddie and Sharron moved south of town on Ash Creek, where he joined the family dairy operation raising cattle, pigs, and Shetland ponies. Farming and ranching became his lifelong passion and purpose. In addition to running his own farm he did it with pride and dedication.

Whether working the land, shooting a game of pool, attending local auctions to find a good deal, picking up supplies at Menards, spending time with his grandkids, or trying his luck at the casino, Freddie could always be found doing something he enjoyed. He especially loved raising vegetables with the kids—selling sweet corn being a favorite—and he was happiest when sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and surrounding communities.

Big Fred was known for his relentless work ethic, his dedication to family, and above all, his unforgettable belly laugh—full, booming, and contagious—the kind of laugh that could light up a room and leave everyone smiling.

Freddie is survived by his wife Sharron of Broken Bow. Children Christie (Dave) Ference of Ord, Kent (Gina) of Broken Bow, Freddie (Kim) of Columbus, Mistie (Jesse) Ziems of Shelby, Laura Leibhart of Broken Bow; twelve grandchildren, Jessica Ference, Johnathan (Mattison) Ference, Vanessa (Shane) Svoboda, Victoria Ference of Ord, Jordan Albus, Lane (Aubrey) Albus of Broken Bow, Ryann, Luke, Brody and Jake Leibhart of Columbus, Landon, Austin Ziems of Shelby;5 great-grandchildren Alfred, Lila Ference of Ord ,Sharon Svoboda of Ord, and Gianna, Jovani Albus of Broken Bow; sisters Elsie Losey of Mitchell; Clara Callahan of Burwell. He was deeply loved as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Big Fred will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the fields he worked, the family he nurtured, and the many lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Fredrick Leibhart. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family for future designation. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Monday, October 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Memorials are suggested to the Family for future designation.