Leonard Paul Vyhnalek, age 79 of North Platte, passed away Thursday January 1, 2015 at Great Plains Health.
Leonard was born on January 30, 1935 in Lincoln, NE to Joseph and Helen (Bezpalec) Vyhnalek. He attended St. James Grade School and Crete High School, graduating with the class of 1952. He graduated from Doane College in 1958 with a BA Degree; from UNL Law School in 1961 with a JD Degree; and was admitted to the NE State Bar Assoc. in June of 1961. He joined the army and was commissioned 1st Lt. in April 1961 and was promoted to Captain USAR JAGC in December 1962. After leaving the military he was employed at Beatty & Morgan Attorneys in North Platte, before becoming a partner to Beatty and Morgan from 1967 to 1976. He was admitted to Practice United States Supreme Court in 1972; and became Lincoln County Public Defender from 1969 to 1975 in North Platte. He was a partner in McCarthy, McCarthy & Vyhnalek from 1976 until 1986, when he began a solo practice. Leonard never really did retire!
During Leonard’s distinguished career as an attorney, in which he celebrated 50 years as an attorney in 2011, he attained many impressive achievements. Highlighted are a monumental judgment in one client’s favor that was nearly $2,000,000; the controversial case in which he defended Charles Simants; as well as trying several first degree murder cases in Lincoln, Keith, Dawson and Cherry Counties. He tried numerous civil cases both to Juries and Bench Trials; he was President of the Lincoln County Bar Assoc.; and Western NE Bar Assoc.; and served on many NE Bar Assoc. Committees. Aside from his love of the law, he enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and watching Husker football.
Leonard is survived by his children Kristen (James) Johnston of Gaithersburg, MD and Joseph (Kristin) Vyhnalek of North Platte; grandchildren Alex, Max and Jessica Johnston of Gaithersburg, MD and Kylie, Deklan and Tiernan Vyhnalek of North Platte; sister Mary Ann (Ron) Hagen of Bellevue, NE; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Wanda in 2010; and a granddaughter Natalie Jo Vyhnalek.
Memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday January 5, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend James Golka as Celebrant. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 4, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.