Leonard D. “Len” Dvorak

Leonard D. “Len” Dvorak

Leonard D. "Len" Dvorak, 81, of Brainard, died Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Butler County Healthcare Center in David City.


Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, September 12, 2024

10:30 A.M.   Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Brainard  Celebrant Rev. Steven Snitily

Visitation 9-10:00 A.M. with a Rosary at 10:00 A.M.

Committal in the church cemetery    Lunch following at the Klein Center

Memorials in care of the family for future designation

Leonard Dennis Dvorak was born on December 7, 1942 in Staplehurst, Nebraska to Gabriel and Amelia (Zavodny) Dvorak and entered into eternal rest on September 7, 2024 at the age of 81 years, 9 months. Leonard graduated from Brainard High School in 1960, and later married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Jean Rejda, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church In Brainard.

Leonard held various jobs in Lincoln, including a plastics molder and gas station manager.  In 1963, he started working at Norden Laboratories, a subsidiary of Smith Kline Labs as a trainee in their animal health division where they manufactured veterinary vaccines & pharmaceuticals. In 1964, he was promoted to Branch Manager in Fargo, North Dakota where they moved and all four children were born.  He also worked as an income tax consultant and teacher for H&R Block tax courses. Leonard and his family spent many enjoyable times fishing and exploring on the Red River and various Minnesota Lakes. Leonard’s boyhood dream was to live in Florida some day and in 1970, he was offered the position of Branch Manager in Miami, Florida. He continued to teach and work evenings for H&R Block. Florida provided the family with countless adventures of camping, fishing, shrimping, tennis, and beach outings. Fish Eating Creek and the Florida Everglades were favorite places for the family to explore.

In 1979, Leonard retired from Norden Laboratories, moving the family back to his home town of Brainard, Nebraska where he accepted a position as an Insurance Agent. He would enjoy this second career in the insurance industry, most recently with 15 years at Jones Agency in David City, as well as being a tax consultant for almost 60 years.

Leonard was active in the Brainard Community Club, Economic Development Council, First Catholic Fraternal, and Brainard Village Board, also serving as Mayor. Along with his fond memories with Carolyn during their 60+ years of marriage, Leonard also treasured the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He appreciated the many friendships he made through the years as well as morning coffee with friends at Husker Bar..

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Delores (Rejda) and her husband Louis (Mac) Johnson of Omaha.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife Carolyn,  brother & sister-in-law, Edwin & Marie Dvorak; Children Doug Dvorak, Susan (Steve) Sisel, Sharon (Ken) Codr, and James Dvorak; Grandchildren, Shane & Heather Sisel and Shelby (Sisel) & Kyle Schomerus; Christina (Codr) & Trent Thomas, Ryan & Malynn Codr, and Brent & Danielle Codr; Great grandchildren, Landon Sisel, Saylor, Grayson and Paisley Schomerus; Miles and Eli Thomas, Nicklin and Bennett Codr, Caleb and Colton Codr