Leon "Bub" Wright, Jr.

Leon R. “Bub” Wright Jr., age 74 of Roseville, MN (formerly Nebr. City) passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Redding, CA.

Leon Roy Wright Jr. was born on July 14, 1949 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Leon R. and Zola F. (Rader) Wright.  He grew up and attended school in Nebraska City, NE, graduating from Nebraska City High School with the Class of 1967.  On October 2, 1967, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on September 22, 1969.  He then served in the Navy Reserves until August 21, 1973.  He worked as a boilmaker on the ship he was assigned to and also served in the Vietnam War.

On September 12, 1970, Leon was united in marriage to Deborah Lynn Gilfert at the Presbyterian Church in Dunbar, NE and to this union three sons were born:  Bryan, Brad and Andy.  Deb preceded him in death on May 27, 2018.  He later married Mary F. (Mahalic) Spaulding on September 17, 2022 in Roseville, MN.

Leon worked various jobs including Unit Operator and Shift Supervisor at OPPD from 1983 to 2011.  He also was a maintenance technician at St. Mary’s Hospital, a painter and carpenter, and played in several bands.  He enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, playing music, building hot rods and traveling.  He also loved spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Mary Wright of Roseville, MN; sons:  Bryan Wright and wife Mary of Nebr. City, NE, Brad Wright and significant other Amy Arnold of Lincoln, NE and Andrew Wright and wife Kristin of Nebr. City, NE; five grandchildren:  Michaela, Trevor, Alex, Natalie and Sam; sisters:  Juanita Schnitzer and Kelley Creek both of Nebr. City; mother-in-law Shirley Gilfert of Syracuse, NE; brothers and sisters-in-law:  Kristie Beccard and husband David of Syracuse, NE, Nicki Nutter and husband Shawn of Gretna, NE, Daniel Gilfert and wife Amy of Florida and Rodd Gilfert and wife Michelle of Syracuse, NE; his wife Mary’s family, The Spaulding’s; nieces, nephews and other friends and family.

In addition to his first wife Deb, Leon was preceded in death by his father, Leon Sr. on March 17, 2013, his mother Zola on November 1, 2016 and his father-in-law Orlin Gilfert in 2001.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City, NE.  Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City with Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday (8/27) at the mortuary.

Memorials may be given to the Nebraska City Memorial Building Renovation.

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