Leroy E. Hamburg

Leroy E. Hamburg, World War II Army Veteran, age 102 and formerly of Minatare, Nebraska, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at The Residency in Scottsbluff. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. The Nebraska Army National Guard and Gering American Legion Post 36 Honor Guard will provide military honors. All are welcome. Memorials in Leroy’s honor may be made to Gering American Legion Post 36, 1425 9th St., Gering, NE 69341. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Leroy’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com. 

A descendant of Germans from Russia, Leroy was born July 13, 1923, to Conrad and Margaret (Himburche) Hamburg of Gering, Nebraska who raised seventeen children. Leroy attended Gering Schools and then moved to Montana to work. He enlisted to the United States Army in January of 1943. He received seventeen weeks of tank training at Ft. Knox and then shipped out of the country. He was with the 1st Armored Division Tank Destroyer Battalion, previously called the Fighting 69th. His first stop was Casablanca and duties included driving and working on tanks, as well as being a gunner. He fought against German General Rommel’s Afrika Korps and participated in the allied invasion of Anzio, Italy, where he suffered three shrapnel wounds in 1944. Treatment was provided in Italy, and he remained there until after the war. Leroy was honorably discharged in 1945, receiving the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, and various other medals.

Leroy began working at the sugar factory in Scottsbluff upon returning home after the war. 

He married Erma Tyrrell at the First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 1946 and in 1948, Judy, a daughter, was born. 

Leroy started his life-long career as a painter and paper hanger, when he signed with the Robinson Brothers. He later decided to work for himself and continued to do so until he retired.

Leroy enjoyed fishing and hunting for many years. He always had a concern for someone in need and helped whenever he could. He was a “walking encyclopedia” for war stories and enjoyed sharing his experiences. 

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Judy (Ken) Templin of Bloomington, IL; grandchildren, Tasha (Shane) Tomlinson and Travis (Holly) Templin all of Bloomington, IL; great grandchild, Andrew Templin of Bloomington, IL; brothers, Howard (Donna) Hamburg of Oregon, and Tom Hamburg of Idaho; sister, Lucile Hood of Washington; brother-in-law, Melvyn Hood of Washington; along with several nieces and nephews. 

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Margaret; brothers, Henry, John, Ben, Daniel, Al, Willard, Edward, Harold, and Danny; sisters, Irene, Dorothy, Josephine, and Leona; and beloved wife, Erma in December 2024.