SCHAEFER, LEONARD J., Aug. 10, 1927 – May 13, 2010.

Fort Calhoun, NE. Leonard passed away in Mesa, AZ at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer and heart disease. He was born and lived his entire life in the Omaha and Fort Calhoun area.

Leonard held many offices during his 50 years with Labor Local 1140; at the time of his retirement he was Business Manager and financial Secretary-Treasurer. He was active in the Omaha community, helping to start the first Labor food pantry in Omaha and instrumental in the renovation of the building that housed the first food bank in Omaha, encouraging many of the CETA program trainees and the Building Trades Council members to help. He started the Construction Labor Building Corporation (CLBC) and also started the 1140 Club in Lincoln. He served many years in the Omaha Labor Council which later became the Omaha Federation of Labor. He was on the AFL-CIO Executive Board for many years. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Omaha Building Trades Council. He was also on the Board of the Iowa-Nebraska-South Dakota Laborers District Council. He started the 1140 Boxing Club in North Omaha; the boxers fought in the Golden Gloves for years. He was instrumental in starting CETA Training program for all the Union trades in the Omaha area. He was active in the Democratic Party during the 60’s and 70’s.

Leonard raised cattle, hogs and Belgium horses on his farm in the Fort Calhoun area for many years. Leonard loved people and would help anyone in need, not expecting anything in return. His greatest joy was seeing his grandchildren and riding his Harley. Member of: Alumnus of Creighton, Knights of Columbus; Antique MC of America; Antique MC of Omaha; HD Flatland Chapter MC; Past President of Construction Labors Local 1140 retiree club; Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife Judith; sons, Henry “Butch” Schaefer and Scott Willoughby (Nancy); stepsons: Thomas Willoughby (Norma), Randy Willoughby (Ronda); daughter-in-law, Jacque Schaefer; grandchildren: Mary Jo Keller (Charles); Cassandra Richardson (Jack); Brian Schaefer, Amber Schaefer, and Jesse Schaefer; step-grandchildren: Sarah, Darryl, Greg, Jenna, Parker and Thorn Willoughby; great-grandchildren, Shiane and Rebecca Keller, Ashley, Austin, and Avery Richardson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special friends Mike and Vicky Skrekas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Delores; son Leonard “Punky” Schaefer; brother Don Schaefer; parents Henry and Minnie Schaefer.

Vigil Service Thursday, 7 pm, West Center Chapel. MASS of Christian Burial Friday, 10 am, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, NE. Private interment. VISITATION from 3 pm Thursday, with family receiving friends 5 pm – 7 pm at the West Center Chapel. Memorials to St. John the Baptist Church Building Fund.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK-CUTLER West Center Chapel, 78th & West Center 391-3900