Leon Francis Van Slyke, born October 4, 1947, in Osmond, Nebraska, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of Russell Charles Van Slyke of Randolph, Nebraska, and Rita Susan (Winkelbauer) Van Slyke of Randolph.

Leon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katherine Louise (Bratt) Van Slyke, who passed away January 18, 2001.

Leon earned a Bachelor of Science degree with double majors in English and Business and dedicated more than 40 years of his professional life to the State of Nebraska as a computer programmer. Through decades of changing technology, he brought dedication, knowledge, and dependability to his work and took pride in his long career serving the state.

His greatest pride, however, was his family. Leon is survived by his children, Deb (Kevin) Jarosik of Omaha, Bryan (Tracy) Van Slyke of Lincoln, and Melissa (Doug) Tvrdy of Lincoln.

He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth Van Slyke of Anza, California; Brother Charlie Jarosik of San Antonio, Texas; Madeline (Zach) Stogdill of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Emma Jarosik of Omaha; Katherine Tvrdy of Rapid City, South Dakota; Dylan Van Slyke of Lincoln; Kylee Van Slyke of Lincoln; Max Tvrdy of Lincoln; and Natalie Jarosik of Lincoln. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Audrey Jarosik, TJ Jarosik, and Wesley Stogdill.

Leon is also survived by his siblings, Dallas (Nona) Van Slyke of Oregon, Illinois; Marsha (Paul) Eddie of Wahoo, Nebraska; Randy (Lori) Van Slyke of Fruita, Colorado; Craig Van Slyke of Denton, Nebraska; Gail (Connie) Van Slyke of Eagle, Nebraska; and Dan (Connie) Van Slyke of Lincoln, Nebraska, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will remember him with love.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Charles and Rita Susan (Winkelbauer) Van Slyke, and his beloved wife, Kathy Louise (Bratt) Van Slyke.

Leon’s life was marked by his commitment to his family, his work, and the people around him. His memory will live on through the family he loved and the generations who carry his legacy forward.

Visitation will begin at 4 PM on Sunday September 13, 2026, followed by a Rosary prayer at 6 PM. On Monday, September 14, 2026, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM.  All visitation and services will be conducted at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, with Fr. Johnson officiating. Ellen Soukup will serve as organist and vocalist. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward scholarships, with designation to be determined by the family.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Eddie, Brett Eddie, Eric Eddie, Brent Van Slyke, and Corbin Van Slyke.