LeRoy Rein, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. He was born on July 31, 1942, to Lee and Blanche Rein in Ashton, Nebraska, and grew up in Osceola. He graduated from Osceola High School, where he was active in football, basketball, and the marching band. His late mother, Blanche, owned the local diner in Osceola called the Corn Palace, a popular gathering place where LeRoy and his teammates often met for burgers and shakes after games—a place that shaped his lifelong love of community, hard work, and being there for others.

LeRoy shared 63 years of marriage with his next-door sweetheart, Leila (Miley) Rein, a partnership full of adventures and companionship. Together, they created a home where the door was always open—especially on the back porch, coffee in hand, ready for a good conversation.

He was a devoted father to Tami Nagle (Steve), Todd Rein, and the late Traci Carder (Larry), and a proud grandfather to Ashley Larson (Mark) and Carli Fluent (Taylor). In recent years, he delighted in being a great-grandfather to Lily, Sam, Liam, Sullivan, and Maverick. LeRoy never missed a family event, always a steady presence and ready with a story or advice.

LeRoy lived by the values of the Boy Scout creed and was a natural leader. He loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting, camping, and fishing. Summers were often spent at the family cabin at Lake McConaughy, where he took his kids—and often their friends—to enjoy the white sand beaches and long days outside.

He had a successful business career, serving as State Manager of Nebraska Farmer and Harvest Life in the Readers Service Division. Through his work, LeRoy and Leila traveled the world, including trips as far as Hong Kong. They especially loved the Caribbean, with St. Martin holding a special place among his favorite travels. No matter how far he went, LeRoy always returned home to the state he loved most—Nebraska.

After retiring, LeRoy stayed busy working with Nebraska State Parks, living on his dream acreage, and building handcrafted birdhouses known as “Reinhauses.” He sold these special wren houses at farmers markets across the state, and they can still be found hanging in backyards throughout Nebraska—a quiet, lasting mark of his craftsmanship and love of the outdoors.

LeRoy enjoyed reading and music and was well known for his spontaneous recitations of Shakespeare. He was generous with his time, quick to lend a helping hand, and never shied away from sharing wise advice. His door was open to unexpected visits, and the coffee was always brewing.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Traci Carter (2009); his sister, Loraine (2012), and her husband, Jim (2013); and his parents, Lee and Blanche Rein.

There will be no formal service. Instead, the family will gather for a hike on his favorite well-worn trails along the Platte River and share memories. All who knew LeRoy are encouraged to do the same and are welcome to honor him by purchasing a Nebraska State Park pass and enjoying the outdoors in his memory.

He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, his stories and music, his spontaneous Shakespeare recitations, his success in business, and his willingness to pull up in his treasured red truck and lend a helping hand.

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