Leo James Burda

Leo was born on November 5, 1946, to Harry and Irene (Teply) Burda. He grew up on a farm southwest of Primrose, Nebraska, attended Primrose Public Schools, and graduated in 1965. He served as a medical specialist in the Army from 1966 to 1968. Leo served his basic training at Fort Polk and was later stationed at Fort Sam Houston before being sent to Germany, where he was stationed at Schweinfurt. He finished his service at Fort Dix receiving an honorable discharge.

After his time in the service, he returned to Nebraska and met the love of his life, Rose (Manley) Burda. They were married on January 4th,1969. Throughout their married life, Leo and Rose lived in various places in Nebraska, finally settling in Primrose where they built a house in 1979.

Leo's professional journey began in Omaha where he studied auto mechanics, followed by work as a transmission specialist at Aamco in Lincoln. His career path then led him to Grand Island, where he served at Knox Construction, first as an accountant before transitioning to the role of lineman. In 1978, Leo settled in Primrose, joining the Primrose Elevator and culminating his working years with Country Partners before retirement.

Community was important to Leo and he served as mayor of Primrose and as a volunteer firefighter. He broadened his community by also serving in the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Leo was also a proud member of St. Mary’s Parish.

Leo loved a good puzzle, from devising the best driving route to a jigsaw or a sudoku puzzle, he never left a space blank. He was an avid fisherman and loved camping with family and friends. Leo enjoyed making breakfast with his family and had perfected the art of frying bacon and scrambling cheesy eggs. He never missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in their endeavors and was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his children Michael of Lincoln, Joseph of Mankato, Minnesota, William of Lincoln and Suzanne (Mark) O’Dorisio of Arvada, Colorado; daughter-in-law Stacy Stupka of Lincoln; his grandchildren Cecilia Burda, Tristan Burda and fiance Stacia Ogburn all of Lincoln, Rosalia and Gianna O’Dorisio of Arvada Colorado; and sisters Jeanette Burda of Primrose and Harriette Sunderland of Yakima, Washington. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose; his parents Harry and Irene; brother Tom; and infant siblings Joseph and Margaret.

A visitation will be held at Lincoln Memorial (6800 S. 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with a rosary to follow at 4:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Mr. Burda at 10:30 AM on December 16, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament (1720 Lake St, Lincoln, NE 68502) with interment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.