Leroy E. Criss

LeRoy E. Criss, 76 of Spalding, NE, died Sunday, October 6, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services are 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Dolce-Scheef Mortuary in Spalding, NE with Rev. Mary Avidano officiating. Military rites will be by American Legion Post #299 and US Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation will be prior to the service on Thursday, 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

LeRoy Edwin Criss, son of Walter Erving and Ethel Evelyn (Estes) Criss, was born November 4, 1943 at Columbus, NE. He lived with his family in St. Edward, NE where he was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church and graduated from St. Edward High School. He entered the United States Air Force on July 12, 1962 and served until his honorable discharge on July 11, 1966.

On November 18, 1962 LeRoy married Mary Ellen Long at the St. Edward Catholic Church. They made their home in New Mexico where LeRoy was stationed. Following his discharge, they moved to Grand Island, NE where LeRoy worked in auto parts sales at Red Rooster. LeRoy and Mary divorced in 1979. In the late 1990's, LeRoy remarried and moved to Colorado for a few years before returning to Kearney, NE where he worked at Killion Motors until he retired.

LeRoy enjoyed golfing, fishing, dancing, watching Husker Football and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by five children: Connie Bennett (significant other George Thompson) of Tarzana, CA; Deborah (Bob) Abramson of Kasson, MN; Angie (Tom) Langer of Spalding, NE; Jeff (Carey) Criss of Spalding, NE; Mellissa (Patrick) Bloom of Kasson, MN; 10 grandchildren: Branden Bennett of Tarzana, CA; Jessica (Tyler) Clason of Waverly, NE; Brianna (Jeremy) Kruper of Minneapolis, MN; Miranda and Marissa Langer of Spalding, NE; Justin (Karlie) Criss of Humphrey, NE; Paige (Dustin) Schilousky of Cedar Rapids, NE; Cortney Criss of Cedar Rapids, NE; Aven and Addyson Bloom of Kasson, MN; eight great-grandchildren: Trinity, Jaelynn, Jude, Holden, Sadie, Audrey, Grayson, and Oaklynn; one sister: Gladys (Roger) Ostrander of Trumbull, NE; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Chuck and Wayne Criss; sisters Leota Miracle and Virginia Gates.