Leonard Charles Kucera Sr., 94

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

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

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 Czech 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 May 1945 Dad was inducted into the U.S. Army. He spent his basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 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 of 1946, and headed to Boundary County to collect his family. Thus began his 68 years of living in Boundary County, which included 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 Moore’s Sawmill in Moyie and at Moyie Lumber Co. He also drove school bus for 20 years. He was active in the community as time permitted, serving on the Bounary County School District board and the Boundary County Fair Board for 18 years.

He also was a charter member of Curley Creek Community Hall, founding member of Curley Creek Fire District, served with Spokane Milk Producers and Darigold board of directors. He also served as director of the 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, brothers Bill, John, Albert, and Joe.

He is survived by son Leonard Jr. (Lucille); daughters Susan (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.