Leonard F. Buhrman, 89, of Grand Island passed away June 22, 2017, at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island.

Leonard was born on April 9, 1928, in Grand Island, the youngest son of Louis and Augusta (Schwenck) Buhrman.

Leonard was raised in Greeley, where he graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. Although he earned a Regent Scholarship, Leonard enlisted instead in the U.S. Army on Jan. 8, 1951. He served in Korea, having earned a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged from the Army on Aug. 9, 1962, but continued for 20 years in the Army Reserves.

On Sept. 21, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mary Leonard at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The couple made their home in Grand Island, where Leonard was employed as a conductor engineer for Union Pacific Railroad and in his free time, was also a master plumber. Leonard and Mary were blessed with daughters, Kathy, Connie, Jean Ann, Jeannette and Patty, and sons, Richard and Bill. In 1973, Leonard was transferred to North Platte, where he continued as a conductor for UPRR and owned and operated Buhrman Plumbing in North Platte and Grand Island.

After 51 years of service for Union Pacific Railroad, he was finally convinced to retire. Not one to be idle, he filled his days with keeping up with all of his grandchildren and extended family as well as his longtime friends and his faith. Leonard was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge, and American Legion. He had a wonderful memory and enjoyed playing cards. He was an expert at crossword puzzles and was an avid reader of western novels. Leonard was very personable and always made the effort to stay in touch with his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Jean Ann Buhrman and Jeannette Murrain; and brother, Bob Buhrman.

Leonard is survived by his children, Kathy Buhrman of Aurora, Colorado, Connie (Bill) Niles of Hastings, Patty (Don) McBride of Grand Island, Richard (Vickie) Buhrman of Gretna and Bill (Lisa) Buhrman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic High School. Online condolences may be shared at giallfaiths.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Donald Buhrman and Father Marty Egging officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors by North Platte Honor Guard and U.S. Army Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, June 26, at All Faiths Funeral Home, Grand Island. Christian wake will follow at 7 p.m. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.