Leonard Ray Stenneche

Leonard Ray Stenneche, 87, was born on February 3, 1939, in Dannebrog, Nebraska, and died on November 8, 2026. A longtime resident of Gretna, Nebraska, Leonard will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude—for a life built on steady effort, faithful devotion, and the quiet strength of someone whose word was truly his bond.

Leonard graduated from Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1958 and attended Bellevue University. He also served in the Army, carrying forward a sense of duty that showed up again and again in the way he lived and worked.

For 40 years, Leonard dedicated himself to Western Electric, later retiring from Lucent Tech. He approached work the way he approached life: with consistency, pride, and the kind of reliability people lean on without hesitation—because Leonard never gave them a reason not to.

Leonard married Donna I. (Dorathy) in 1960, and family remained the center of his world. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Danielle Leona; his parents, Carl Johan and Vida Agneta; and his sisters, Lila Jean and Rosetta Ann. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his brother, Floyd L. (Pam) Stenneche; and his nephew, William V.H. Stenneche.

Leonard’s hands were rarely still. His artistic spirit found expression in woodcarving and leather tooling—crafts that reward patience, care, and a steady eye, all qualities Leonard carried naturally. And if there was a place his joy rose to the surface, it was on the water: Fishing was “A+,” but fishing with his daughter was “A+++,” a simple ranking that says everything about what mattered most to him.

He also gave his time in ways that strengthened the community around him, volunteering with Nebraska Game & Parks. Leonard served as Treasurer for Mid America Woodcarvers Club and was involved with De Molay/Master of Miloma Lodge #328 - 1977 - Second Degree Valley Scottish Rite. He was also a past member Tangier Shrine of Omaha. Through it all, he carried himself with calm steadiness—patient, kind, and unflappable, the sort of presence that made others feel safe and seen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, 441 N Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046, on November 23, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A Service will occur at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

With heartfelt appreciation, the family offers thanks for all the wonderful people in our lives who have stood by us over the years.