Robert A. “Bob”, “Mr. Haney” Leaper, 69, of Cortland, passed away Thursday morning, February 19, 2026, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln. He was born on July 20, 1956, at Beatrice to Ralph and Maggie (Yott) Leaper. He attended Beatrice Public School and graduated from Wymore Southern High School in 1975. Bob worked for the Burlington Railroad for 39 years before retirement in 2016. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church of rural Pickrell, and Jay Husker Auto Club. He enjoyed working on his cars, especially proud of his 1949 Studebaker pickup.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda of Cortland; son, Matthew (Megan) Leaper of Austin, TX; step-children, Anthony Griess of Beatrice, Samuel Griess of Trinidad, CO, Rachael Griess of Roca, and Don Griess of Clay Center; adopted daughter, Lauren Van Beveren of Lincoln; grandchildren, Elise, Sophia, Alexander, Liv, Bentyn, Maverick, Merrick, Daxtyn, and Tallulah; sister, Donna (William) Soupene of Beatrice; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Maggie (Yott) Leaper; brother, Lanny Leaper; sisters, Nancy Leaper, Barbara Nelson and Ruth Haynes.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church of rural Pickrell with Pastor Mike Williams officiating. Casual attire is encouraged. A family prayer service will be at 10:15 A.M. at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be at the Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Pickrell. Visitation will be Monday, February 23, 2026, from noon until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting relatives and friends on Monday from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established by the family for a future designation. www.foxfuneralhome.net. Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.
