Gordon L. Leiding

Wisner — Gordon Laverne Leiding, 88, of Wisner, formerly of Orchard, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 17, 2024 at the United Metodist Church in Orchard.

Burial was in the Orchard Hill Cemetery in Orchard with military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission , 2200 N 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68503 in Gordon's name.

Ashburn Funeral Home in Orchard was in charge of the arrangements.

It's difficult to find just a few words that can accurately describe Gordon, but to those who loved him he will forever hold a large place in our hearts. 

Gordon was born on March 14, 1936, in Orchard to John and Cecil (Boelter Clark) Leiding.He was the third of six children in the family. He grew up on the family farm west of Orchard where his love of farming and the outdoors began at a young age. He attended Orchard High School where he excelled at academics, football, basketball and baseball before graduating in 1953. 

After high school he briefly attended college before enlisting in the U.S. Army.  He served his nation for two years in the U.S. Army Signals Corps and was stationed in Germany and operated throughout Europe for most of his enlistment.

Gordon wed Joanne Twibell on Dec. 26, 1956 and to this union came three daughters Lori (Roger) Massie, Janet (John) McCain and Jody (Dennis) Graskowiak.  He and Joanne built their farm and raised their family west of Orchard. 

In his younger years he was active in community leadership and played on the local town baseball team for many years. Once his daughters became of age, he was active in coaching many of their athletic teams. He was an avid outdoorsman with his home, garage and vehicles always having hunting and fishing gear ready to pounce on the opportunity for the next big catch. His family all has fond memories of their many experiences in the boat or the blind with Gordon. His love for hunting wasn't limited to game animals, he also loved hunting for treasures at sales or auctions. If he wasn't farming or on the river/local lake, he could be found socializing at the Verdigre Sales Barn, the Lunch Box/Sugars, The Double D/The Den and Green Gables. He put many miles on his Ford truck driving the country roads of Antelope, Knox and Holt counties. He enjoyed following the Orchard Orioles and Nebraska Cornhuskers and watching anything related to sports. 

Gordon is survived by his two daughters Janet (John) McCain and Jody (Dennis) Graskowiak; six grandchildren Ann (Aaron) Collingham, Kayla (Brent) Lofgren, Mason (Jessie) McCain, Shayna (Caleb) Meier, Vanessa McCain and Katie Graskowiak; seven great-grandchildren Wyatt and Morgan Collingham, Grayson and Zayden Lofgren, Miles McCain, Layne and Lucas Meier; one brother Kenneth Leiding; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, daughter and son-in-law Lori and Roger Massie and four siblings Donald Clark, Darlene (Clark) Moats, Russell Leiding and Keith Leiding.