Lawrence Sobota

Lawrence Sobota, 89, of Columbus, formerly of Schuyler, died Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Meridian Gardens in Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, October 22, 2025 10:30 a.m.

St. Isidore's Catholic Church, Columbus  Rev. Joseph Miksch, Celebrant

Visitation Tuesday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Knights of Columbus Rosary 7:00 p.m. in Schuyler at the Funeral Chapel.  Additional visitation Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Church in Columbus

Committal will be in the Schuyler Cemetery with Military Honors

Lawrence Sobota was born on a blizzard day, December 22, 1935, to Stanley and Loretta (Horejsi) Sobota on the family farm south of Howells in the Heun community. He was baptized and received all his sacraments at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Heun. Lawrence attended School District #17 on his great-grandfather’s homestead and later Howells High School for one semester before transferring to Schuyler High School, where he graduated in 1953.

During his school years, Lawrence was active in 4-H and FFA and earned his FFA State Farmer Degree. In August 1953, he joined the Naval Reserve and went on active duty in January 1955. He served aboard the USS Caronade IFS-1 and was honorably discharged in January 1957. He then attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

On October 8, 1958, Lawrence married Donna Jean Koliha at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Heun. They made their home in Schuyler for a short time before moving to a farm northwest of Schuyler in March of 1959, where they raised two children, Deborah and Terrence. They were members of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, where Lawrence served on the Parish Council, the Religious Education Board, and as funeral usher for several years.

Lawrence was a member of the Catholic Workman Lodge at Heun and an Honorary Life Member of the Schuyler Knights of Columbus Council #2716, receiving the Family of the Year Award in 2008. He was also a Counselor for the Columbian Squires, board secretary for School District #10R, and secretary for the newly merged District #5R, serving on the building committee as well.

Lawrence was a charter member of the Schuyler FFA Alumni and a life member. He was an honorary life member of Pla-Co Pork Producers, served on the Nebraska Feeder Pig Expo committee, and chaired the Nebraska Feeder Pig Show. He was a member of the Eagles, a life member of American Legion Post #0047, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4836. Lawrence also served 22 years on the board of Cornhusker Public Power District and was a board member of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association for several years. Lawrence was currently a member of St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Columbus.

Lawrence and Donna loved to dance at many ballrooms across the region and even out of state. They were active in their church and community and loved attending their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school and sports events. Once a month, they enjoyed visiting a casino together. Above all, Lawrence loved country living on their farm.

He is survived by his children, Deb Leggott of Lincoln and Terry (Kathy) Sobota of Schuyler; grandchildren Justin Leggott and fiancée Jessica; Kaleb (Ann) Sobota; and Thomas (Megan) Sobota; great-grandchildren Braelyn, Haisley, Cooper, Leighton, Sutton, McKinley, and Fletcher; brother Norman (Barb) Sobota of Memphis, Tennessee; two nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Jean; son-in-law, Mike Leggott; parents, Stanley and Loretta (Horejsi) Sobota; and in-laws, Edward and Dorothy (Schrage) Koliha.