Leonard A. VanDeWalle, of Burwell, Nebraska, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Orchard, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska at the age of 79.

Born on August 19, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, Leonard was the son of Francis and Ethel (Wheeler) VanDeWalle. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in 1965.

Leonard served his country with honor in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968. His pride in his service continued throughout his life as he enjoyed attending Vietnam Veteran reunions and traveling with Veterans tours.

After his military service, Leonard began a career in ranching. On July 28, 1973, Leonard married Doris Mae From at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Together, they raised three children, Tina, Ace, and Ida. Initially residing in Cedar Rapids, the family later moved to a ranch near O’Neill before settling near Orchard, where they lived until their children graduated college. After Doris’s passing in 2012, Leonard moved to Burwell in 2018 to be close to his family.

Leonard cherished ranch work and was dedicated to caring for his cattle. He never knew a stranger and truly cherished every opportunity to visit with friends, neighbors, and anyone whose path crossed his—a good conversation and friendly visit were among life’s simple pleasures he valued most. Above all, he was devoted to his family, finding great joy in attending his grandchildren’s activities and events.

Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Tina and Kurt Liljehorn of Lincoln and Ida VanDeWalle of Ord; a son and daughter-in-law, Ace and Jessica VanDeWalle of Elyria; five grandchildren, Sage Bouma, Emersyn Liljehorn and Knox, Risslyn and Teague VanDeWalle; siblings, Robert (Judy) VanDeWalle of Albion, Leo (Leona) VanDeWalle of Cedar Rapids and Albert VanDeWalle of Albion; brother-in-law, Gale Carder of Albion; sister-in-law, Olive VanDeWalle of Geneva, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Martha and Dave Janda and Liz Carder; two brothers and sisters-in law, Paul and Carol VanDeWalle, Donald VanDeWalle and Norma VanDeWalle; and former sister-in-law, Beverly VanDeWalle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. Father Matt Gutowski will be the Mass Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery at Cedar Rapids. Military Honors will be presented by the Cedar Rapids American Legion Post #44 and the Nebraska Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Still Waters Funeral Parlor in Burwell. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Paul Nordhues. 

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School at Ord, Nebraska.