LeRoy R. Gellerman, age 81, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at Perkins County Health Services in Grant, NE surrounded by his family.

LeRoy was born February 19, 1945, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Rudolph “Rudy” and Laura (Bartels) Gellerman.

He grew up in the country, on the family farm until his family moved to Axtell, Nebraska in 1957. He was Confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilcox and later graduated from Axtell High School in 1963. After high school, LeRoy attended a trade school in Lincoln, NE for automotive repair. He was called to serve his country, in the United States Army in October 1965. He returned home from service in 1967. Upon returning home, LeRoy married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Sylvia Nelson on June 1, 1968. To this Union was born their beloved children Dan and Diane.

After he was married, he began his career in the automotive business, beginning at Goodyear in Lincoln, then transferring to Goodyear in North Platte, which became Nebraskaland Tire and Service, before moving on to Mills Auto Supply, and finally ending his career at ABC Auto Salvage. He stopped working in 2025 due to health concerns, but always hoped to get back to working with vehicles.

LeRoy will be remembered for his passion for cars, especially restoring antique cars. He was an avid Husker Football fan. He enjoyed camping, riding his motorcycle, and going on road trips. He also enjoyed card games, especially cribbage, with his family. He was a private man and more enjoyed the company of close friends and family. This did not stop him from being active in the church. He served dutifully as an Elder and Usher at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for many years. But most of all, he was always there for his family when they were in need in his own quiet way.

Those left to cherish LeRoy’s memory are his son Dan (Theresa) Gellerman of Ogallala; daughter Diane (Trent) Zwickl of Grant; grandchildren Taylor (Taylor) Gellerman, Rylie Mintling, Brandon Mintling, Drew Zwickl, Alyssa Zwickl, and Trey Zwickl; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Wesley, William, and Harper; sisters Lois (Don) Quinn and Sharon (Ralph) Johnson; sister-in-law Marsha Reiss; and many more family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sylvia, parents Rudolph and Laura, and brother-in-law Jim Riess.

A funeral service will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church located at 402 S. Baytree, North Platte, Nebraska on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. Burial will occur Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Cemetery in Wilcox, Nebraska. Visitation will be held 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.