LeRoy “Butch” Bestwick, 77, of Falls City was born on July 31, 1945, in Frankfort, Kansas. He was the only son of Earl and Vivian (Prosser) Bestwick and had one sister, Rhonda Trundle and one half-sister, Mary Lou Foster. LeRoy ‘s early years of growing up were in Kansas until his parents decided to move to Gig Harbor, Washington to be near other family members. They moved back to Lincoln, NE in 1959 where his dad worked on a dairy farm with his help. Later it was on a dairy north of Seneca, Kansas and finally Crook’s east of Humboldt, NE.
It was in Humboldt that LeRoy met his best friend and life time love Hazel Carpenter. They were married after Hazel’s graduation on February 8, 1964. LeRoy returned to the dairy north of Seneca, Kansas for several months and then farmed west of Salem, NE before obtaining a job at Flare Folds in Falls City where they moved and he worked for several years. In 1968, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Hazel was transferred to the Lancaster County ASCS Office from the Richardson County office. This was when LeRoy started his occupation in floor covering which continued for 40 years. Unfortunately, it also contributed to his declining health in later years. After celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary on February 8, 2023, LeRoy and Hazel decided to start saving some money and have a huge celebration for their 60th. They didn’t quite make it After spending over 60 years together, his passing has left a big void in Hazel’s life but she is extremely thankful for the good times they shared and for all of the memories. After a four-month courageous battle, LeRoy passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Falls City Nursing and Rehab facility. He tried hard to achieve his goal of ’going home’ but couldn’t reach it.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Rhonda Trundle, half sister Mary Lou Foster, all of his grandparents, and aunts and uncles.
LeRoy is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate Hazel, his only nephew Brian Sanders and wife Jen, brother-in-law Ron Trundle and wife Linda, ex-brother-in-law Jerry Sanders plus Robert and Lana Carpenter, Harlan and Ruth Ann Carpenter, Dorothy Deeke, nieces and nephews, cousins plus many friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 on Friday, June 23, 2023, at The Good News Assembly of God Church in Falls City with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the American Legion Club in Falls City. Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Humboldt Cemetery in Humboldt following the luncheon.
Visitation will be from noon-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at The Hall Funeral Home, 2403 Harlan Street in Falls City. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
Service entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha ST-Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915.
