Leroy M Garrels

In Memory Of
LeRoy M. Garrels

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Friend with Rev. Paixao Baptista officiating. Interment will be after lunch in the Bruning Public Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 1 to 8 pm at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Friend with the family greeting relatives and friends from 5 to 7 pm. Memorials may be directed in care of the family. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend. There was also a visitation at the McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas on Monday the 20th and there will be a memorial service at the Leisure World Park in Weslaco at a later date.

LeRoy M. Garrels, of Friend, was born August 14, 1935 in Bruning, Nebraska to Melvin and Dorothy (Hawks) Garrels, the oldest of two children and passed away suddenly Sunday, February 19th, 2017 at McAllen Heart Hospital in McAllen, Texas at the age of 81. LeRoy had a natural musical talent as a young boy and he embraced this talent which became a lifelong hobby. He played the saxophone in a professional dance band, "Micky Kull And His Orchestra" starting in the 8th grade and throughout his college years. LeRoy graduated with the Class of 1953 from Bruning High School and furthered his education at the University of Nebraska, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. After he graduated, LeRoy taught at Milligan, Davenport, Clay Center and Friend High Schools, continuing to embrace his God given talent as a music teacher. It was during this time that he met his future bride, Connie Hertel. LeRoy and Connie were married on August 21, 1966 and would enjoy a beautiful marriage and life together, celebrating their 50th anniversary in August of 2016. They were blessed with two children, Jayson and Laura.

LeRoy was quite an athlete as well. He played Junior Legion Baseball and later played for the University of Nebraska as a pitcher. LeRoy found time between teaching and raising his family, to go back to school and pursue his Master's Degree in Music with additional hours in Administration. He worked for the Friend School District nearly his entire career, mostly in administration, retiring in 1996.

He was a member of the Friend United Methodist Church, Nebraska National Guard, Ducks Unlimited, Friend American Legion Post #183, Friend Masonic Lodge #73 AF&AM, and is a former member of Bandmasters of Nebraska.

LeRoy and Connie began spending their winters in Weslaco twenty years ago, living at Leisure World. They also were able to travel to many places during retirement, including trips to Budapest and Vienna, and taking a river cruise on the Danube recently. LeRoy's hobbies included traveling, fishing, golf, hunting and music. He was a tried and true "Cornhusker", always loyal to his college team.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Connie, of Friend, son and daughter-in-law, Jayson and Jacquelyn Garrels, Grand Prairie, Texas, daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Jason Pinkall, Dallas, Texas, three granddaughters, Sophia and Siena Garrels, Ella Pinkall, a grandson, Noah Pinkall, brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Helen Garrels, Grand Island, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Craig and Janie Hertel, Jefferson, IA, David and Tammie Hertel, Chandler, AZ, Mary and Mike Turner, Naperville, IL, four nephews, three nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew, Russel and his nieces Rebecca and Jennifer and parents-in-law. Family will greet relatives and friend from 5 to 7 pm SERVICES Visitation Friday, February 24, 2017
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Lauber Moore Funeral Home - Friend
814 Maple Street
Friend, Nebraska 68359 Family will greet relatives and friend from 5 to 7 pm Funeral Service Saturday, February 25, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Friend United Methodist Church
601 6th Street
Friend, NE 68359 Graveside Service Saturday, February 25, 2017
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM Bruning Public Cemetery

Bruning, NE