Leo V Piitz

January 21, 1928 - June 24, 2014

Leo V. Piitz, 86, of Brainard, died Tuesday, June 24 at the Saunders Medical Center near Wahoo. The family has requested memorials IN LIEU OF FLOWERs for Masses or Family Wishes. Leo Vincent Piitz was born on January 21, 1928 to John J. and Emma(Behne)Piitz on the family farm three miles west of Brainard. He joined two brothers, Lawrence and Leonard and one sister Lorraine. He attended Plain View #20 country school, graduating from the 8th grade and went on to help his father farm. Leo was a life long farmer and professional musician, a hard worker who raised crops of wheat, oats, soy beans, corn, milo and alfalfa as well as chickens, hogs and cattle. He was very proud of the crops he raised and his John Deere machinery. Leo married Bernice J. Dolezal on September 24, 1966. Three children were born to this union. Bernice passed away on August 20, 1984. Leo married Dorothy M. (Hergenrader(Seiler) on July 26, 1986. She passed away on March 12, 2006. Leo was also a professional drummer. He started at a very young age with his first dance job being with his brother's band, Golden Star(Larry Leonard) at Loma, NE in 1942. Leo played steady for Al Grebnick from 1957-1959 and Adolph Nemec from 1960-1977. Leo then helped out many bands until 1991 when he and his son Lonnie started the Leo Lonnie Orchestra. Leo played with the band from 1991 until 2007 when he retired due to health reasons. Other bands that Leo played with included: Math Sladky and the K.L.M.S. Polka Band, Six Fat Dutchman, Sparta Orchestra, Harry Czarnik, Dennis Wesly, Ernie Kucera, Dean Hansen, Bud Comte, Emil Herms, Kenny Schuda, Mark Vhylidal, and the Studio Trio.. Surviving Leo are his children and grandchildren: Son: Willie Piitz of Columbus, Daughter: Maria Lunde and children, Matthew and Bernita of Bellwood, Son: Lonnie(Kim) Piitz and children, Suzanne, Sylvia, Ellie and Lainley of Brainard. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Bernice, second wife Dorothy, and brothers, Lawrence, Leonard and sister: Lorraine Kozisek.