Bernard N. Lecher - March 24, 1942 – January 17, 2014
Funeral services for Bernard Lecher will be held Friday, January 24th, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Chadron. A rosary will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick’s.
Bernard Nicholas Lecher, 71 died peacefully at home in his recliner on Friday, January 17, 2014.
Bernard was born in Chadron Nebraska. He was the 4th of seven children to Tommy and Fern (Harrison) Lecher. He graduated from Assumption Academy in 1960. He married Harriet Eileen Burke on June 25, 1960 at the St. Patrick’s Church in Chadron, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born, Nick, Mike, and Chris.
Bernard began his career in the car business with the Ford Garage in Chadron, NE. In 1964, he and Harriet moved to Crawford, NE where he began his employment with Crawford Implement Company. After many years, he began selling both vehicles and machinery for Harvey Equipment. Bernard then took his knowledge of livestock and numerous business acquaintances and became a Field Representative for Chadron Sale Barn. In 1988, Bernard and Harriet moved back to Chadron where he sold vehicles for both Tommy’s Car Lot and then Wahlstrom Ford. Bernard retired in 2006.
Survivors include his sons Nick (Liz) Lecher of Port St. Lucie Florida, Mike (Diana) Lecher of Chadron, Nebraska and Chris (Christy) Lecher of Gothenburg, Nebraska. Grandchildren, Alex Smith of Douglas Wyoming, Jessica Lecher of Rapid City SD, Sarah Lecher of Chadron Ne, Keely and Ashley Lecher of Gothenburg Nebraska. Siblings: Wayne (Virginia) Sides of Torrington WY, Janice (Mitch) Magruder Nevada MO, Steve (Diane) Lecher of Chadron, NE, Susan (Larry) Gold of Council Bluffs Iowa, and Curt (Mary) Lecher of Chadron, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernard was preceded in death by his wife Harriet Lecher, parents Tom and Fern Lecher, and Sister LaWayne Jones.
Bernard was associated with Crawford Fire Department, Chadron Elks Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Bernard greatly enjoyed his horses, motorcycles (in his younger years) and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a horseman and a gentleman. He remembered everyone and shared his smile with them. Bernard dearly missed his wife after her death in 2005 and looked forward to the day he would join her.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Dawes County Ag Society and the Crawford Fire Department. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron.