Lee John Schweigart

Leo John Schweigart was born on March 25, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska to Alois and Mary (Posch) Schweigart. He grew up in Omaha where he attended school at Sacred Heart Catholic Schools, graduating in 1946. As a young boy, Lee enjoyed his scooter and playing basketball. At age 16 he lied to recruiters to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. He served for almost three years including commanding a landing craft during the Normandy invasion. At the end of his service, Lee was told he could not return to the states with his motorcycle so he drove it off the end of an aircraft carrier into the ocean. Upon his return home went back to school to receive his high school diploma. Lee married Joan Shanahan on June 26, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska and to this union three children were born: Mike, Kathryn and David. Lee and Joan raised their family in Omaha until they moved to Elkhorn in 1974. Lee has worked at Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha World Herald, Opitz Chevrolet Car Dealer and Skellgas before starting his own business: Lee Appliance and All American Laundry Equipment. At 84, Lee continued to work daily. He enjoyed fishing and attending Nebraska Cornhusker Bowl games for over 20 years but his passion was flying. Lee was a member of the Stratus Seekers Flying Club and always loved his time in the air. He was conspicuous for his handle bar moustache and appeared to have a rough exterior but inside was a kind and gentle man who was a good husband and father. Lee was strong, dependable and loving with a wonderful sense of humor. Lee was a man of simple pleasures, he enjoyed working before relaxing with dinner at Farmer Brown’s and a Manhattan. Several years back, Lee was elated to be included in one of the Honor Flights back to Washington, DC to witness the World War II Memorial. He was very proud to see the magnificent memorial to the soldiers of his era. Lee passed away on Friday, December 31, 2010 as a result of an automobile accident south of Waterloo at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Mary, son David, brother Al and baby sister Clara. ; Lee is survived by his wife Joan; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Carol of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law Kathryn and Ray Rosterman of Omaha; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Florence of Omaha and sister Mary Ann Friend of Omaha; Flag Schweigart, Lee age 84 of Elkhorn, NE Preceded in death by son David; survived by wife Joan; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Carol of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law Kathryn and Ray Rosterman of Omaha; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Florence of Omaha and sister Mary Ann Friend of Omaha; visitation Tuesday noon to 7 PM with a wake service at & PM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn; Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery; memorials to Nebraska Muscular Dystrophy. Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Lee John Schweigart

March 25, 1926 - December 31, 2010