Leslie C. Weil, 90, of North Platte, died June 18th at Linden Court nursing home.
Les was born October 18, 1924, at North Platte to Lester and Fern (Younghein) Weil. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Wallace, NE where his father managed the Ford garage. In 1936, he moved with his family back to North Platte. Les enjoyed working as a youngster at his father’s service station. From age14 until after graduating from high school, he worked after school at the Ford Garage in North Platte. He has always been proud that at age 16 he started driving new Ford cars from the Dearborn, Michigan factory to North Platte. Les completed his education in North Platte, graduating with the class of 1943. During his junior and senior year he served with some of his classmates in the Nebraska State Guards and immediately following graduation he joined the United States Army, serving with the 64th Topographic Engineers in Hawaii, Guam and Japan. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 6th 1946. Les returned to North Platte and on April 6th 1947 he married Eloise J. Falk in Holdrege, Nebraska. El and Les then moved to Denver, Colorado where Les attended and graduated from Barnes Business College and then moved to Axtell, Ne. where he farmed with his father-in-law. In early 1950 they moved to North Platte, where Les became associated with Mutual Building and Loan Association, serving as Treasurer and later as President until retirement in 1985.
Les was active in the community serving on numerous boards and committees. He had been associated with the Boy Scouts of America for over 63 years; he served as Scoutmaster, Council Treasurer and Council President of Tri-Trails Council and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was presently serving on the Executive Board of the Overland Trails Boy Scout Council. Les was a charter member and served as President of the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, where he received their “Above and Beyond Award” in 2009. He also served as President of the North Platte Ambassadors, also the Community Chest and as Past President of the North Platte Kiwanis Club and the North Platte Development Corporation. He was awarded the Young Man of the year and later Boss of the Year by the North Platte Jr. Chamber of Commerce. Les was also a charter member of the HUSKER NATION, he loved the BIG RED!
Les is a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a life member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Platte Valley Masonic Lodge # 32, the BPO Elks Lodge # 985, the North Platte Rotary and North Platte Moose Lodge # 551.
Les enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting and being outdoors to appreciate nature. Les was very proud of his loving wife of 68 years, his children and grandchildren. His family and relatives enjoyed many great times, full of fun, at their Lake Maloney home. Les was fond of telling stories and at the end of them he would say “that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” He also enjoyed his coffee buddies and they all had great stories!
Les was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Herbst and her husband Ed, his brother-in-laws; Robert Klusman and Charles Elliott: sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Berniece (Harold) Henrickson
Les is survived by his wife Eloise, daughter Linda (Bill) Smith of North Platte, two sons, Randall (Brenda) Weil of Fremont, and Roger Weil of Austin TX, sisters Bonnie Elliott and Lolly Klusman both of Lincoln, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Glenn Falk of Kearney: grandchildren: Haley (Cory) Johnson of Amarillo, TX, Taylor (Brad) Van Valkenburg of Amarillo, TX, Brant Weil of Brooklyn, NY, Raleigh Weil of Austin, TX, Rori (Mark) Howell of Columbus, OH, Jandi Weil of Moodus, Ct.; great grandchildren: Ella Jane Shumaker, Barrett, Mac and Brooks Johnson all of Amarillo, TX, Henry Van Valkenburg (on the way); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In-lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Overland Trail Boy Scouts Council or the Mid- Nebraska Community Foundation.
Memorial services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. A private inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside prior to the service. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so online at www.carpentermemorial.com or Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.