Les Houser
Leslie Dwane Houser died Sept. 15, 2022, at the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center in Wauneta, Nebraska. He was 82 years of age.
He was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Imperial, Nebraska, to Willa Rhea (Norman) and Kenneth Houser. Les lived south of Venango, Nebraska, and attended school there through the sixth grade. The family then moved to the Norman farm in Lamar, Nebraska. Les then attended school at Lamar through the eighth grade. He then attended Chase County High School, graduating in 1958.
In 1959 Les married the love of his life, Janice Johnston. They were married for 63 years. They were joined by Lori in 1960, Rae in 1963, Leslie in 1970 and Judd in 1971.
Les was a farmer for several years and a school bus driver for Holyoke schools. He always felt the call of the road by being a truck driver, so he joined Scholl Oil Company. Les trucked for them until 1977 when the Houser family moved to Wauneta. Wayne and Marie Smith were like second parents to the Housers.
Les had finally realized his dream of owning his own truck. He hauled cattle and grain. In 1999 Les bought his last truck and joined Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus, Nebraska. He trucked from coast to coast.
In 1986 Les and Janice bought a motorcycle and soon helped start the Frenchman Valley Riders. They enjoyed many rallies, rides and trips with family and friends. They then bought a toy hauler and began spending time in Texas and Arizona in the winter. In 2014 Les and Janice took their family to Disney World in Florida. His family was his pride and joy.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Willa Houser; parents-in-law, Clarence and Ellen Johnston; sister, Sharon Houser Harris; and brother-in-law, Bill Johnston.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Houser of Wauneta; daughters, Lori Collins and husband Craig of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Rae Houser and wife Marcie Uden of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Leslie Lee and husband George of Elsie, Nebraska; son, Judd Houser and wife Tish of Riverdale, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and three more on the way; sister, Marla Smith and husband Jim of Ogallala, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Les is also survived by a loving extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church of Wauneta, with Pastor Elias Mukindia and Rev. Craig Collins officiating. Inurnment was set to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.
There was no visitation, as Les’ wishes were for cremation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.