LEODEGARD [LEO] K. AND ELSIE [MOTT] MLADY
Leo K. Mlady was born living, at Verdigre, Nebraska. He
attended school at Verdigre Public Schools and graduated in 1937.
After graduation, he worked for Orvil Tangeman and Red’s Transfer
which were trucking companies. Later he spent two falls at
Scottsbluff, Nebraska, topping beets and picking potatoes, and he
worked one year for Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. In 1942, Leo
enlisted in the U. S. Army. In the United States, he was stationed
at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. Brady,
Michigan, and Ft. Selmage, New Jersey. In February of 1944, he was
stationed overseas and served in England, France, and Germany. On
July 10, 1944, Leo was wounded and spent 17 months in hospitals in
England and California. In January of 1946, he was discharged and
returned to Verdigre to live.
Elsie A. Mott was born living, at Walnut, Nebraska. She
attended school at the Mott Schoolhouse to the eighth grade. The
school was located in the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter
of Section 21 in Walnut Grove Township. This land was owned by
Elsie’s grandfather, George F. Mott. Elsie then attended school at Verdigre until she graduated in 1943. In 1944, she attended the
Omaha Commercial Extension Business School. She then returned to
Verdigre in 1945 and worked for the Knox County Attorney at Center
until 1946. She was also employed at the Farmer’s Co-op Store in
Verdigre.
Leo and Elsie were married June 4, 1947, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic
Church in Verdigre. To this union were born five children: Duane
Edward, born living, married Diana Carlson on October 7,
1972; James Leo, born living, married Lynette Viterna on May
24, 1969; Kevin Gerard, born living, married Celine Grimm on
December 23, 1978, Mary Katherine, born living; and
Patricia Ann, born living. Leo and Elsie have nine
grandchildren: Duane and Diana’s children are Cheri, Christina,
Timothy, and Travis; James and Lynette’s children are Brian, Brad,
and Sharla; and Kevin and Celine’s children are Lyndsy and Carsten.
[pg 347 PHOTO Leo and Elsie Mlady]
Leo and Elsie then lived on the Edward Mlady homestead located in
the Northwest Quarter of Section 32 of Sparta Township. Here they
farmed full time until 1965 when Leo began work as postal clerk at
the Verdigre Post Office.
From 1955-65 Leo and Elsie worked at the Verdigre Livestock Market.
In the late 1950s Leo served as Cub Master and Elsie was Den Mother
for the Verdigre Cub Scouts and they held these positions for many
years.
Leo and Elsie celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on June 4,
1972. On April 5, 1984, they received the State Honorary Chapter
Farmer Degree for having four children - Duane, James, Kevin, and
Patty -become state farmers in the FFA.
Elsie began work at Alpine Village on April 1, 1972, as a CSM (Care
Staff Member) and received a ten-year honor in 1982. She is still
employed there.
On March 20, 1981, Leo was sworn in as Verdigre’s new postmaster.
Leo has also served on the school board, is a member of the American
Legion and served as Post Commander for many years, has been a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 40 years, and is a member
of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
-Submitted by Brian Mlady
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