Joseph Leo Menard

Joseph “Joe” Leo Menard, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. Born November 7, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Bernard “Ben” and Marie (Osborne) Menard, Joe grew up in North Omaha with his two brothers and seven sisters. Mischievous from the start, he loved fishing, playing baseball, and occasionally getting into trouble. On his very first day of kindergarten, his older brother Butch had already arranged a fight for him—setting the tone for a colorful childhood. On March 21, 1970, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia “Cindy” Peterson, at St. Bernard’s in Omaha. Together they raised three children—Joseph Patrick, Traci Christine, and James Michael—and built a home full of laughter, love, and countless pets. The Menards first lived on Redwood Lane in Yutan, where neighborhood kids grew up like family, and later on Shamrock Boulevard, in the house Joe proudly built with his own two hands – armed with his trusty vise-grips, electrical tape, and needle-nose pliers. As a young adult, Joe played softball with his high school buddies, and it quickly became more than just a game. The bleachers filled with families, kids ran wild, and a cold one was shared after the last inning, a tradition Joe cherished as much as the game itself. Just as dear to him were Sundays at his parents’ home in North Omaha, surrounded by his wife, children, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Those afternoons, with his mother’s fried chicken and anything chocolate for dessert, especially ice cream, were some of his happiest moments. Joe achieved a long career in overseeing construction projects for roads and bridges, 30 years with Douglas County Engineers Office and another 13 with Lamp Rynearson. Joe loved the outdoors and kept busy with many hobbies—hunting with his brothers at “The Ranch,” fishing with his sons, golfing with friends, tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, and filling his yard with bird feeders. He passed his love of animals to his children. His daughter Traci especially shared his tender heart for animals, along with his radiant smile and unforgettable laugh. An avid sports fan, Joe not only loved watching the Huskers and Bears, but he also spent many hours coaching his sons in baseball and umpiring legion baseball games. In 1970, Joe and cousin Ed started a football league for young boys in North Omaha, which continues to this day. A people person through and through, Joe loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. Known as the “baby whisperer,” he gravitated towards babies with his calming presence and was never happier than when holding one of his grandchildren. He was also a loyal friend, a proud Catholic, and longtime acolyte and building committee member at St. James in Mead. Later in his life, Joe became very involved with St. John’s in Valley. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bernard “Butch” and Bob; sisters, Mary Ellen, Patty, and Barbara; and his beloved daughter, Traci. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; sisters, Kathy, Marg, Marie Ann, and Annette; children, Joe and Jim (Liz); and grandchildren, Richie (Bethany), TJ, Olivia, Hayden, Luke, Abby, Grace, Sarah, and Amelia. He will be remembered for his humor, determination, faith, and the way he loved—fiercely, unconditionally, and with a smile that always hinted at a story you’d never forget. A visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30pm on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn with a Vigil Service beginning at 6:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 22, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist, 307 East Meigs St, Valley, NE 68064. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or to Bethlehem House of Omaha at https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/eGiving-602601 or Roncalli High School of Omaha at roncallicatholic.org

Joseph Leo Menard

November 7, 1949 - August 27, 2025