Leonard C. Len Hupf, 84, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the Nebraska Veterans Home surrounded by his family. Services will be Friday, April 15, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The celebrant will be the Rev. Mark A. Maresh. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the U.S. Army Honor Team and the United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2011, 4 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Leonard was born April 7, 1927 at Holstein, Nebraska. He was the son of Henry A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Hupf. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife of 62 years, Pauline Hupf of Grand Island, NE One son & daughter-in-law, Thomas & Linda Hupf of Rosedale, New Jersey Three daughters & two sons-in-law, Debra & Roger Sweley of Grand Island, NE Barbara & Larry McGowan of Schuyler, NE Mary Hupf of Omaha, NE One brother, Herb Hupf of Hastings, NE One sister-in-law, Gladys (Mrs. Paul) Hupf of Hastings, NE One brother-in-law, Leo Jack Malone of Missouri Others left to cherish his memory include grandchildren, Thomas Hupf Jr, Jeffrey Hupf, Laura Sweley and fianc Dale Buettner, Valerie Sweley, Josh & Sara (McGowan) Kucera, Luke McGowan, Andy & Molly McGowan) Cada & Erin McGowan. Six great grandchildren, Ella, Brenna & twins, Elijah & Joseph Kucera and Maura & Levi Cada. Many cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives. At the age of seven Len moved with his family to a farm near Assumption, Nebraska. He attended grade school at Assumption until 1937 when the family moved to Kearney, Nebraska. Len attended St. James School in Kearney and one semester at Whittier Jr. High. The family moved to Hastings, and he attended St. Cecilias High School, graduating in May of 1945. He was a member of St. Cecilias 1944 6-man State Championship Football Team. Right after high school graduation, Len was drafted into the U.S. Army and was inducted at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas on July 9, 1945. He spent time at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Camp Edwards, and Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Len trained to be a tank driver and was ready to be sent overseas when peace was declared. Because he could type, he helped interview servicemen coming home from overseas to note any injuries they had, any medals they were entitled to and their mustering out pay. He was discharged at Ft. Dix, New Jersey on December 1, 1946 and returned to Hastings, Nebraska. He was employed at Cushing Wholesale Company in Hastings, and later for Thompson Wholesale Company in Hastings, Nebraska. Len married Pauline Malone on September 10, 1949, at St. Cecilias Catholic Church in Hastings, Nebraska. They lived in Hastings, until 1957 when they moved to Grand Island, Nebraska. He continued his employment with the Thompson Wholesale Company working for 28 years as a salesman and wholesale distributor for Tommy & Evelyn Thompson. He then worked for ten years for Cash-Wa Distribution of Kearney in sales and later as Sales Manager. Len enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and was a Nebraska Football fan, attending the home games with Polly for many years. Lens faith and family were his life treasures. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, serving as an usher at St. Marys Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament both for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Hastings and later Grand Island. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion Club, and long time member of the Liederkranz and volunteered there after retirement. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, a sister Rita Costanza, brothers, Don & Paul. Memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grand Island Veterans Home, or the Alzheimers Association. To sign Lens guest book visit www.curranfuneralchapel.com.