Lee Deines

Leland “Lee” Leroy Deines, 88, of Gordon, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Lee was born on September 21, 1937, in Mitchell, Nebraska, to Harry and Gladys (Kaufman) Deines. He received a tenth-grade education in Mitchell and proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy as a Boiler Tech aboard the USS Lake Champlain. While serving in the Navy, Lee earned his GED, an accomplishment he was very proud of. On July 1, 1959, Lee married the love of his life, Luella Stowell. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and love. They spent five years living in Rawlins, Wyoming, before moving to Sidney, Nebraska, where Lee worked until 1975. The family later moved to Gordon, Nebraska, where he opened Lee’s Flooring. Through his business and daily life, Lee became well known throughout the community for his honesty, fairness, strong work ethic, and wonderful sense of humor. Lee enjoyed camping, stock car racing, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Stock car racing was one of his greatest passions, and he proudly raced car number 99 for many years. He loved the excitement, competition, and friendships that came with racing and often shared stories from his racing days with family and friends. Lee raced alongside his brother Jim for many years, and those times together became some of his fondest memories. Those years brought him tremendous pride and many cherished memories. He also dedicated time to serving as a Boy Scout leader, something he greatly enjoyed and took pride in as he helped guide and mentor young people in the community. Lee especially treasured the time he spent with his brother, Jim, and Jim’s wife, Lin, who moved to Gordon 20 years ago simply to be closer to Lee and Luella. Their close bond and the many memories they shared together meant the world to him. Lee was a man of integrity who worked tirelessly to provide for his family and believed deeply in treating people fairly and kindly. He never knew a stranger and was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His deep love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his presence will be greatly missed. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Deines and Gladys Kaufman; stepmother, Mary Louise Deines; beloved wife, Margaret Luella Stowell Deines; son, Mark Deines; grandson, Chad Lee Glassgow; grandson-in-law, Joel Eberle; and sister, Shirley Green. He is survived by his brother, Jim (Lin) Deines; brother-in-law, Gene (Alby Forquer) Stowell; children, Rusty Deines, Cheryl Deines, Shelly (Dave) Thompson, Kevin Deines, and Karen (Chuck) Glassgow; along with 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory forever.