Leroy Benjamin Fortner, 80, of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021 after showing much strength and courage throughout his life.
Leroy was born in 1940 to Wiley and Isabel (Johnson) Fortner in Wilson County Kansas. After graduating from Fredonia High School in 1958, he went on to study agriculture at Kansas State University. After graduation, he worked in farming and agriculture field for most of his life. In 1961 he married Elaine Pults, going on to have four children, Ann, Cheryl, Jane and Jean. He later remarried in 2006 to Alice Patocka. They enjoyed many adventures and happy years together, including trips to Africa, Alaska, Arizona and many places in between.
Leroy was a force of nature, determined to travel and see the world, he was particularly drawn to Africa. He was a passionate hunter who devoted much of his free time to becoming an expert in this field. His passion for this sport filled his life and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with family and friends. When he wasn’t hunting, he liked cooking, reading and entertaining. He loved holiday dinners, berry-picking, live Christmas Trees, camping, fishing and sharing Oreos with his grandchildren. He showed his love quietly, in gentle and kind gestures.
Anyone who knew Leroy knew he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His intelligence and thoughtful nature shined through in everything he did.
Survived by his wife Alice (Patocka), daughters Ann (Frank) Lorenzo of Horton, KS, Jane Fortner of Denver, CO, Jean (Kevin) Regnault of Arvada, CO. Grandchildren, Jordan, Chelsey, Frankie, Joshua, Cody, Harrison and Declan. Brother Jim (Peggi) Fortner, sister Marie (Joe) Keeton. Step children: Douglas (Michelle Wetzler) Patocka of Mead, NE, Jon (Melissa) Patocka of Kansas City, MO, Cynthia (Jeff) Barris od Mead, NE, Mary (Rob) Chmelka of Valparaiso, NE, and many Step grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frankie and Clifford and his daughter Cheryl.
Memorials can be made to the Family for later designation.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 10am-8pm. Family will be present 6-8pm at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, NE
Rosary will be Monday, April 26 at 9:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 7900 Trendwood Dr., Lincoln, NE
As a courtesy to the family, we will be attempting to live stream the Rosary & Mass at: https://www.facebook.com/Butherus-Maser-Love-LiveStream-105603761223856 it is not necessary to have a Facebook account to view the stream.
For Fredonia friends and family, there will be a visitation held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home, Fredonia, KS
Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 9:00 am at the Fredonia City Cemetery, Fredonia, Ks.
Services in Lincoln, NE entrusted to Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home. Online Condolences can be left at www.bmlfh.com
Services in Fredonia, KS entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736