KEARNEY, Neb. — Leland “Lee” R. Trunkenbolz, age 89, formerly of Fairmont, Minn., passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 1, 2024, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney, Neb. A memorial service for Lee will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fairmont, Minn., with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lee was born Feb. 23, 1935, to William and Thelma Trunkenbolz in Eagle, Neb. He graduated high school from Lincoln North East High in Lincoln, Neb. After high school, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 and served until he was 21. He was stationed in Cuba and served in the Navy Band. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from Wesleyan University in Lincoln.

On March, 15, 1958, Lee was united in marriage to June Hammers at Bethany Church in Lincoln. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Tracy and Tori. Lee and June made their loving home in Lincoln where Lee worked for the gas company before working for the Central Telephone Company. In 1968, Centel transferred him to Fairmont, Minn., where Lee and June raised their girls and became involved with the community. Lee served in Sertoma for many years. When Centel relocated in the 1980s, Lee chose to stay in Fairmont. He worked many different jobs to keep his family there. Lastly, he worked as an office manager for Human Services in Blue Earth, Minn.

He was a faithful member of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Fairmont, Minn., where he sang in the choir and served in many other ways. Music was always a huge part of his life. He played in the high school band, Navy Band, and even a local jazz band after the navy. In Fairmont, he sang in the church choir and was a member of the Marching Mozarts and the Al Zinter Choral. Lee’s hobbies outside of music included golf, reading, and woodworking. His greatest hobby was being a devoted husband to his wife, June. He was devoted to her and supported all that she did. His greatest wish was to be with her. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include daughters, Tracy Hart and husband, Don Nemitz of Waconia, Minn. and Tori Fiala and husband, Jim of Kearney, Neb.; granddaughters, Emily Zellmann, Megan Buerer and husband Aric, Kara Compton and husband Trysten, April Elmquist and husband Eric, Amanda Daley and Jubilee Hart; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Brody, Madilynn, Jameson, Myles, Mack, Mallarie and Archer; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Sandy Hammers; nephews, Ryan (Trudie) Hammers and Rick (Kathy) Hammers; many friends and neighbors.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; and loving wife, June.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are requested to AseraCare Hospice of Kearney, Neb. or the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ of Fairmont, Minn.