Virgil Gerald Leimer

March 30, 1932 - June 23, 2024

Virgil Gerald Leimer, 92, of Columbus, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln.

To honor Virgil’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating. Burial of ashes will be at Fullerton Cemetery in Fullerton. In lieu of flowers, please direct all memorials to Immanuel Lutheran School, 2580 28th St., Columbus, NE 68601. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Virgil was born March 30, 1932, to Eugene Ernst and Alta Gertie (Vollmer) Leimer in Wisner, Cuming County, Nebraska. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1951 and was honorably discharged as a Yeoman 2nd Class in December 1955. He received the Good Conduct Medal and served during the Korean Campaign. He married Myrtle Alice Channer on June 24, 1954, and to this union four children were born.

He graduated from Colorado State University, Forestry College, Fort Collins, Colo., in 1962. He began employment with the National Park Service that same year at Colonial National Historical Park, Virginia as a Park Ranger. In August 1969, he transferred to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Whiskeytown, Calif., as Chief Ranger, and later, as Superintendent. In April 1978, he transferred to Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Md., as Superintendent. He retired from the National Park Service in April 1987.

Following retirement, Virgil and Alice made their home in Kansas and later in Nebraska. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS). His hobbies were gardening, woodworking, and traveling.

He is survived by his sons, Alan E. (Sandra) Leimer of Mead, Paul M. (Joy) Leimer of Overland Park, Kan., and David B. Leimer of Columbus; brothers, Melvern D. (Rosi) Leimer of Temecula, Calif., and Virgene M. Leimer of Columbus; sister, Carolyn I. Spadaro of Rocklin, Calif.; and five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Alice Leimer; parents; daughter, Susan Marie Leimer on Dec. 12, 1983; and brothers, Merlin Eugene and Terry Edward.