Leo J. Pezdirtz

Leo J. Pezdirtz, 88

March 15, 1934 – August 17, 2022

Leo was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, daughter Kathy and son David.  He is survived by his children Mary Jackley, Jim (Julie) Pezdirtz, Robert (Liz) Pezdirtz, Ann (Eric) Germany and John Pezdirtz, as well as twelve grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, three of whom are currently serving our country.

Leo was born in Omaha, grew up in Little Italy and attended Central High School.  He swore he was born ‘married’.   After serving our country in the Navy during the Korean War, he became a Facility Engineer for Guarantee Mutual Insurance Company and remained there for over 35 years when he retired.  We still believe Dad never missed a day of work!  “I never get sick, I’ll live forever!”  He considered staying in the Navy for another four years but wasn’t sure how to explain that to his pregnant wife who was waiting in the car with their first child.  Whatever free time he had he spent with his family and friends.  Weekends were made for camping.  Leo and his wife Pat belonged to the same camping club for many years.  Moving from a tow trailer to a mainstream Winnebago, Leo always had a RV to clean and wax!  His neighbors loved how he parked his RV in his driveway!  Traveling was also a passion, going to every state in the Union.  Every summer he would load up those kids still living at home, and set off on a three-week vacation, coast to coast.  He only left behind one kid, just once, but quickly returned to the rest stop to retrieve him 20 minutes later.

There were no strangers to Leo, just friends he had yet to meet.  He greeted everyone with a smile coupled with a funny comment.  He often pondered how he could buy his kids for what they were worth and sell them for what they thought they were worth!  The patent is still pending.   Dogs, babies, beer and lemon buttered chicken were among his favorites.

Leo served his God, his country, and his family.  Patriotism ran deep as his love for country never faded.  Always the Navy man – Thank you for your service!!  To our country and to our family.  Leo was devoted to his faith, always.  He believed in God right to the end.  A life well lived!!

VISITATION: Monday, August 22, 2022, 10:00-11:00AM followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11:00AM, all at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3122 S. 74th St. Omaha. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorials will be directed by the family.

5 Comments

  • BARBARA BECK Posted August 19, 2022 8:08 am

    May Leo rest in heaven with Aunt Patty. I remember Leo as stern, gruff and formidable on the outside, but gentle, soft and wicked funny once you settled in with him. Aunt Patty had his heart from the get go; what a lovely match they were. Thinking of all you Pezdirtz’s as you say your goodbyes to Uncle Leo.

  • Dr carol drake Posted August 19, 2022 10:00 am

    What a wonderful tribute to your dad.. he gave his family an amazing life!

  • David and Marlene Dolezal Posted August 21, 2022 9:57 am

    Sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was an amazing man and will be missed.

  • Debra Keegan Posted August 22, 2022 9:27 am

    Leo Pezdirtz
    Dear Leo and Family,
    I would like to share a moment back in time when Mary and I were around 16 y/o that I still think about from time to time.

    Mary and I wanted to take out your Dads car for a ride while your Dad and Mom were camping, but the parents parked a truck behind the car we wanted to take out. Mary’s boyfriend at the time…Shane and my boyfriend Rick Hot-wired the vehicle behind your Dads car and we proceeded on our ride with our boyfriends.
    Come to find out the neighbor was watching us! They reported to Leo and Pat what they saw. Mary said to her Dad “how could we move the car behind without keys.” Pat still believed the neighbors and told Leo we were not truthful.
    Sweet Leo took our side, and believed, that we didn’t take the car. He seemed to always have our backs!

  • Debra Keegan Posted August 22, 2022 9:32 am

    Continued:
    Leo was a great Dad to all of you. I know, because I spent a lot of time at the Pezdirtz’s house over the years.
    Mary and I were inseparable back then. We were called the Siamese twins in high schools by the teachers. They said “ you never see one without the other.”
    I will forever have cherished memories of your Dad And Mom.
    Love you Leo & Pat!
    Love all of you guys always!
    Love, Debra Keegan

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