Leonard M. “Bud” Priel, 89, of North Platte passed away February 20, 2019 at the North Platte Care Center. Bud was born on June 28, 1929 in Sutherland to Patrick E. and Isabell (Wilmes) Priel.
Bud attended the 8th and 9th grades at Kearney Catholic School, returning to Sutherland and graduating from the high school there in 1947. He hired out on the Union Pacific Railroad with the Maintenance of Way Department. He married Betty Hughes on June 18, 1950 at Betty’s parents home south of Sutherland. The couple moved with the railroad up and down the railroad lines, settling in Gothenburg where they stayed for 13 years before moving to North Platte in 1970, where Bud continued to work for the UPRR in the signal department until his retirement in 1989.
Bud was instrumental in starting Operation Life Saver, was a union griever, a member of the Elks serving as a past Exalted Ruler, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He and Betty hosted Miss Rodeo America for 15 years during the Nebraskaland activities. Bud enjoyed hunting, and always had dogs, gardening, yardwork, auctions, and refinishing furniture. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Betty of North Platte; children, Dan (Connie) Priel of Cambridge, Tamara (Rick) Rasby of Lincoln, and Kent (Cara) Priel of North Platte; grandchildren, Holli (Mike) Oberg of Farnam, Zach (Mona) Priel of Cozad, Nick (Sarah) Rasby of Lincoln, Andra Rasby of Los Angeles, CA., and Brittney Mullins of Hoxie, KS; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary McVay of North Platte; brother-in-law, Donald Fleecs of Sutherland; numerous other family members; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Peggy Fleecs.
Memorials are suggested to the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Scholarship Program and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland. Visitation will be 12-8 p.m. with the family receiving friends 5-7 pm Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.