Leopold F. 'Bus' Bahl

Monday, January 21, 2008

Oct. 3, 1910 - Jan. 18, 2008

Leopold Francis "Bus" Bahl died Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 97.

He was born Oct. 3, 1910, at Hays, Kan., the son of the late Adam and Dorothea (Bissing) Bahl. Bus grew up at McCook where he graduated from McCook High School in 1932.

On Feb. 16, 1935, Bus married June Sines in McCook, They spent their married life in McCook. Bus started with the McCook Gazette as a paper carrier and for many years was Production Supervisor before retiring after 63 years with the Gazette.

On April 5, 1944, Bus entered the U.S. Army where he was Communications Chief during World War II. He was a Sergeant and received four Bronze Stars for his service in the Rhineland, Ardennes and the Central Europe campaigns before his honorable discharge on Oct. 16, 1945.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, VFW and McCook Elks Lodge 1434.

Bus enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting but most enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play and was proud to see them grow from very special tots into adults.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Judi Cappel on June 18, 1970; his parents; brothers, William, Edmund, Robert and Walter "Buddy" Bahl; and sisters, Henrietta Thomas, Isabelle Barnes, Marjorie Unger and Jeannie DeForest.

Bus is survived by his wife, June Bahl of McCook; one son, Jack Bahl and his wife, June of North Platte; one daughter, Janet Thompson and husband, Ron of Idaho Falls, Idaho; five grandchildren, Janell, Kathleen and Bruce Cappel, Stephanie Luce and Lesli Strubel and husband, James; eight great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many friends.

Rosary will be 7 p.m., Tuesday at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with Rev. Gary Brethour officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

Memorials may be given in his name and friends may call at Herrmann Funeral Home from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.