Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Leo H. Diekemper , age 76, of West Point, was held Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point, with Fr. James Weeder as celebrant. Interment was in the St. Michael's Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Nielsen Community Center. Visitation was on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Vigil Service and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m. at the church, and will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Minnick Funeral Home in West Point is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Franciscan Healthcare Parkinson's Exercise Group.
Leo passed away on Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Colonial Haven Nursing Home in Beemer.
Leo Henry Diekemper was born Oct. 21, 1945, in West Point to Joseph and Gertrude (Kreikemeier) Diekemper. He attended Guardian Angels School and graduated from West Point Central Catholic in the first graduating class in 1964. He attended Conception Seminary and later worked in Omaha. Leo worked with his parents at City Tavern which he later purchased and ran as Leo’s Place.
On March 3, 1973, he was united in marriage to Joey Barker at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Snyder. For 20 years Leo worked for the United States Postal Service. In addition he managed the West Point Veterans Club, was the first manager of the Neligh House. Leo owned the Lyons Bakery and Café and later J.D. Bar and Grill, Deno’s, and Hilltop Lanes with his sons Gary, Jim, and Dave.
Leo was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #2272, and enjoyed playing cards along with many trips and Casino outings with Joey, Goose, and Mary.
Survivors include: wife, Joey of West Point; sons, Gary Diekemper of Norfolk, Jim and Tess Diekemper of West Point and children-Brook, James, and Cassedy,
Dave and Amanda Diekemper of Snyder and sons-Henry and Jack; sister, Roberta Hagedorn of West Point; sisters-in-law. Pat Diekemper of Wichita, Kan., Snooks Marr of Dodge, Maggie Kreikemeier of West Point and Suzy Anderson of West Point,
Leo was preceded in death by his parents-Joseph and Gertrude Diekemper, 3 brothers in infancy, brother-Joe Diekemper, sister-Joan (Edmund) Hagedorn, brothers-in-law-Ben Hagedorn, Ray Barker, Bob Anderson, Jr. Kreikemeier, and Hugh Marr, and his parents-in-law-Dean and Caroline Barker.
