Leonard Charles Kucera Sr., 94

Leonard Charles Kucera Sr., 94, passed peacefully at the Boundary Community Hospital on Dec. 16, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Leonard was born Aug. 9, 1920, at Howells, Neb., to Bohumil and Rose Kucera. He spent his younger years growing up on a farm in and around this Czeck community. Upon high school graduation in 1937, he and his older brother Bill “ rode the rails’* to Boundary County. They then went to work for their uncle Jim Kucherry.

In April 1938, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The next year was spent working on the lodge at Lake Chatcolet. The brothers then made the return trip courtesy of GN and UP railroads. While in Boundary County, the brothers became acquainted with two young ladies who later became their wives. Upon returning to Nebraska, they returned to farming with their Dad. Leonard married Maxine White on Nov. 10, 1941, at Columbus, Neb.

In May1945 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He spent his basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. Being a farm boy, he was trained in the mule packers unit and was on the train for San Francisco when the war ended. He was discharged in August 1946 and headed to Boundary County to collect his family. Thus began his 68 years of living in Boundary County.

Land clearing, picking sticks, barn building, and making a living occupied the early years on LK ranch. The farm became a grade A dairy in 1952 and for the next 33 years cows were milked here.

He worked at Moores’ Sawmill in Moyie and at Moyie Lumber Co, also driving school bus for 20 years.

He was active in the community as time permitted, serving on the school board, and fair board for 18 years. He was a charter member of Curley Creek Community Hall, founding member of Curley Creek Fire District, served on Spokane Milk Producers, and Darigold board of directors, and served as director of Boundary County Soil Conservation District.He was a member of the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bohumil and Rose Kucera; wife of 70 years Maxine; and brothers Bill, John, Albert, and Joe.

He is survived by son Leonard Jr. and wife Lucille, daughters Susan and Terry Howe, Nancy Hill, Steve Hill; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Family and friends are invited to sign Leonard’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.

John 14. 2-4, 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may also be. 4 And you know the way to the place where you are going.