LEONARD GAUCHAT, JUNIOR
1930-2024
Leonard Gauchat, Junior, son of Leonard (Senior) and Elreta (Green) Gauchat was born August 2, 1930 in Brock, NE and passed away on February 16, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Brock High School in 1948.
On October 9, 1950, Leonard was married to Fern Irene Bridgmon of Tecumseh, NE, in the Chapel at Coryell Park. Shortly after marriage, Leonard was drafted to the Marine Corps being trained in San Diego; he served as a helicopter mechanic on the island of Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return from service, Leonard and Fern made their home in Brock. They were life-long members of the Brock United Methodist Church. One child, daughter Karen, was born to this union, who gave them four grandchildren.
Leonard devoted his life to farming to provide for his wife and daughter. He farmed first with his father, and then, with his brother, Daniel, as the Gauchat Brothers. His grandchildren loved visiting the farm where they could ride the tractors, hunt and shoot trap, ride the four wheeler and motorcycles, and see the stars at night. Leonard was very proud of his grandchildren and the accomplishments in their lives; they gave him great happiness.
Leonard hated cold weather. In 1975, Leonard and Fern purchased property in Donna, TX, only eight miles from Mexico and South Padre Island. For the next forty-five years, Leonard and Fern were ‘Winter Texans’ living in the sunshine from October to April. They would venture into Mexico numerous times each winter. And, one year, even spent one month down in Costa Rica.
After retirement, Leonard and Fern moved off the farm to Lincoln where they purchased a house on the same block as Karen. The great-grandkids loved riding their big wheels from Grandma Karen’s house down to Grandpa Leonard’s house to get a piece of candy from Granny Fern.
Leonard was proud he had served in the Marines. He was a member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and AMVETS (American Vets) organizations. This afforded them the opportunity to travel to national conventions where they could see the current president address the membership. Leonard and Fern traveled to Alaska and Hawaii and all but two contiguous states.
In 2020, a family gathering was held to celebrate the 90th birthdays of both Fern and Leonard and their 70th wedding anniversary.
Preceding Leonard in death are his parents, two sisters (Janet Bierman and Colleen Rader), and his wife, Fern. Leonard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Karen (Paul) Watson; four grandchildren and spouses: Tim and Erin (Hinze) Watson of Lincoln, NE; Joe and Angelie (LeBlanc) Watson of Lincoln, NE; Mark and Hiruni (Wijesena) Watson of Hastings, NE; and Corinne and Daniel Shea of Fort Collins, Colorado; seven great-grandchildren: Joestin, Alexis, Brea, Jolie, Deacon, Jax, and Libby Watson; one great-great-grandson, Colton; brother Daniel and wife Ardis Gauchat of Johnson, NE; and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held February 29, 2024 at the Brock Lafayette Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be sent to Christmas Light Display at Coryell Park, 73203 633 Ave., Johnson, NE 68378.
Condolences may be left online at www.bmlfh.com