William Leahy

Willie was born November 23, 1972 in Cozad, NE; son of Michael and Sandra (Jorgensen) Leahy.

His family moved from Cozad to Gothenburg in 1984 where he attended school graduating from Gothenburg High School in 1991. Following high school he moved to Lincoln where he graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he was an ATO fraternity brother. He also graduated from the Kansas City-Kansas Community College in 1995 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science. After finishing school in Kansas City, he worked for Walton Carson Garden's mortuary in Carson City, NV; where he received his embalming license. He had the privilege and honor of preparing Rep. Sonny Bono's body while working in Carson City. After leaving Carson City, he managed a mortuary in Hemet, CA for a short time. He lived in Anaheim, CA and worked for Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Willie also worked for Davis Funeral Home in Leavenworth, KS. The remainder of his career he was part owner/manager of Washoe Memorial Funeral Home in Reno, NV.

Willie had a special love for his dogs, Luke and Susie, they were like his children. Willie had a huge heart, he always looked to help those around him. He had a special way with people and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his father, Mike (Molly) Leahy of Lexington, NE; mother, Sandy (Dick) Smith of Gothenburg, NE;
brother - Jeremy (Alyssa) Leahy and children - Liam & Layla; step-sister - Tina Goodenberger and children Grace & Faith; two step-brothers - Torrey Smith, Taun (Aengle) Smith and children Gauge & Tatum; half-sister - Angela Meredith and children Raul, Victoria, and Miranda; step-sister Katie Skinner; step-brother Ryan Skinner; special friends - Cody Doyle and Dave (Dawn) Walters; his dogs - Luke and Susie, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by grandparents, William and Carmeleta Leahy, Earl and Barbara Jorgensen, Mahlon and Nellie Smith.