Leonard Allgood

Leonard Blaine Allgood was born in Peru, Nebraska to Elmer and Helen (Neal) Allgood on November 24, 1935. He was the fourth of eight children born to the couple. As a youth, Leonard participated in football and track, and graduated from Peru High School in 1953. In 1955, he joined the Army and served for three years. It was Leonard's interest in science that led him to Peru State College where he achieved his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Science. Leonard was later awarded his Master's degree from Pittsburgh State University in Kansas.

While attending college, he also pursued his future wife, Emma Becker. The two married in 1960 and moved to Papillion, Nebraska where Leonard was hired as a science teacher with the Papillion school district. Leonard and Emma were blessed with three children, Tracy, Alan, and Larry. Each were taught to serve God, work hard, never quit if you make a commitment, and care for others. Leonard and Emma were also blessed with four grandchildren, Amanda, Tyler, Ella, and Espen, and three great grandchildren, T.J., Finley, and Marley. The Allgoods have always believed family is the greatest blessing, and Leonard loved his family deeply.

Leonard’s work with Papillion-LaVista Schools continued to expand as he focused on teaching Chemistry and became Department Chair, a position he held until he retired. He sponsored the pep club early in his career, and later, the senior class, which included the planning of graduation activities. Early in his career, he became legend as he frequently set off the fire alarms after demonstrating a chemical reaction. He was also well known for his ‘how much dirt is in the hole’ extra credit test question, and for being generous in his grading practices by granting points to students for simply spelling their name correctly on their test papers. Students frequently visited and wrote to him expressing their gratitude for preparing them so well for college. Even family vacations across the country were sprinkled with former students wanting to talk again to the infamous Mr. Allgood. In 1997, after 36 years dedicated to teaching, it was time to retire.

After retiring, Leonard worked for a time at HyVee under son Alan’s management in the bakery. Leonard enjoyed his sweets, and the bakery posed challenges in restraint. Later, he worked at the Sarpy County YMCA, but later realized it was more fun to sit and have coffee with others instead of working behind the desk. He worked out 5 days a week and enjoyed socializing after. As an avid reader, it was common to see Leonard at the local library checking out as many as ten books at a time, with an emphasis on westerns which he especially enjoyed.

In 2006, Leonard’s beloved wife, Emma, passed away after a three year long illness. Throughout the illness, Leonard was devoted as her caregiver. Even after her death he remained faithful in his love and never removed his wedding ring. He was recently asked how long the two had been married. He answered “around 60 years.” They would have been married 62 years in May. A year after Emma’s passing, Leonard moved in with his daughter and son, and became part of the care team raising his grandson, Espen. Grandpa duties were fulfilled easily and lovingly, and Espen definitely kept him young.

Leonard was a man of duty. He served his God through tithing and serving as an usher at Trinity Lutheran Church. He served his country through his time in the army, community projects, and regular blood donations. He gave everything he had to his family. He believed that if you weren’t at work, you were to be with your family.

Leonard was preceded in death by his father, mother, six siblings, beloved wife, Emma, and son Larry Allgood. He is survived by daughter, Tracy Allgood, son, Alan Allgood, grandchildren Amanda Allgood (Kayla Allgood), Tyler Allgood (Lindsay Allgood), Ella Allgood (Max Kucera), Espen Allgood, great-grandchildren TJ Allgood, Finley Allgood, and Marley Allgood, sister Ruth Earlywine, sister-in-law, Maryann Hunzeker, brother-in-law, Lloyd Hunzeker, many nieces and nephews.

Leonard went to be with his Lord on January 6, 2022. He will be remembered fondly by family and friends as a gentle man who loved deeply and gave of himself generously.