Leonard Chmelka

Leonard Chmelka, age 95 of Wahoo, formerly from Malmo, died Friday, January 28, 2022 in Lincoln. He was born October 21, 1926 in Plasi, NE to Frank and Christina (Mach) Chmelka. Leonard grew up in the Prague and Malmo area with his eight siblings and graduated from Malmo High School. The family rented farmland in various locations through the years. Leonard entered the Army on December 5, 1950. He was a proud Korean combat veteran who served as a radio communications operator. Leonard was a member of the Malmo American Legion, Weston American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Wahoo VFW. On June 12, 1960, Leonard married Shirley Anderson at the First Baptist Church in Weston, NE. Together, they made a home on a farm near Malmo for 53 years. Leonard worked for 35 years at a grain elevator in Weston, NE. Later in life, Leonard worked at Hinky Dinky, Sunmart, and Wahoo Super as well as in the ASCS office. During his youth, Leonard played baseball with his brothers on a team in Prague. He loved baseball and was a win or lose Yankees fan. Leonard was an active leader in his church where he served in a variety of positions. He was also a member of the Weston and Malmo School Boards, where he held a prominent role in the building of the Malmo school. Leonard is survived by his wife, Shirley, who was the love of his life for 61 years; children Jim (Beth) Chmelka of Omaha, Nancy (Craig) Frick of Fort Morgan, CO, Tom (Nicole) Chmelka of Lincoln, and Barb Chmelka of Lincoln; grandchildren Jacob (Izabelle) Frick, Christina Frick, and Alex Chmelka; sisters Helen Douglas of Wahoo and Gladys Cihal of Malmo; and many nieces and nephews. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Frank, Joe, Raymond, and Richard Chmelka; and sisters Clara Warner and Darlene Chmelka. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Friday at Calvary Church in Wahoo. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Sunrise North Cemetery. Because Leonard was so community minded, memorials can be made to Calvary Church, Saunders Medical Center Auxiliary, Malmo American Legion, Malmo Fire Department, or Wahoo Fire Department. Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.