Gary Dean Leibhart

Gary Dean Leibhart, 82, of North Platte, passed away on Sept. 27, 2023, at Great Plains Health, surrounded by his family. He was born on Oct. 4, 1940, to June and Ilene (Hammans) Leibhart in Callaway, where he was raised. Gary graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1958. In 1959, Gary was hired at Colorado Southern Railroad as a depot agent in Berthoud, Colorado, and this is where he met his future wife, Josephine Ramos. On April 25, 1960, Gary married Josephine in Longmont, Colorado, and was blessed with four children, Gerald, Loretta, Sandra and Teresa. Gary was hired at Union Pacific Railroad as a telegrapher in 1960 and continued working for the railroad as a train dispatcher at the Harriman Dispatch Center in Omaha. Due to health issues, Gary retired in 1995 with 37 years of service. Gary loved nothing more than to simply spend time with his children, grandchildren and most of all, his great-grandchildren, who could do nothing wrong in his eyes. He loved telling stories, teasing and going to their sporting events. Gary also remained close to his classmates and loved attending his class reunions. The memories they have will never be forgotten and neither will their laughter. Gary enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball and the Huskers play football. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Texas Hold'em, with family and friends. He also enjoyed shooting pool and was a member of the Eagles Club No. 2839. Gary will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for all his family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, June and Ilene Leibhart; granddaughter, Melissa (Leibhart) Vargas; his sister, Deanna Harriman; and his brother, Darrell Leibhart. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Josephine Leibhart of North Platte; children, Gerald Leibhart and Loretta Johnson of North Platte, Sandra (Eric Sr.) Danielson of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Teresa (David) Neff of North Platte; grandchildren, Greggory (Hope) Leibhart and Danielle (Chancy) Tomlinson of North Platte, Eric Jr. (Amy) Danielson of Gilbert, Arizona, Edwin, Timothy and Tina Neff of North Platte and Trista (Sean) Goodfellow of Chandler, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Christina Neff, Jonathan Mondragon, Kaylie, Ashlynn, and Graedon Leibhart, Jace and Cade Tomlinson, all of North Platte, Aubrey Danielson of Gilbert; his sister, Karen Dodge of North Platte; sister-in-law, Kathy Leibhart of Mullen; brother-in-law, Don Harriman of Montrose, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Memorials are suggested in Gary's memory. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com. In keeping with Gary's wishes, cremation was chosen. Service is at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Haidle officiating. A reception follows at the Peg Leg Brewery, 2519 Halligan Drive, North Platte. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.