This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Leonard Neil Kaup, 72, born on October 9, 1944 and passed away on March 8, 2017. We will forever love and miss him. Love Louise, Pat, Christy and Bridget.
Leonard Neil Kaup "Coach Kaup", 72, of Las Vegas NV passed away on Wednesday March 8, 2017, in Las Vegas after a short illness. Neil was born on Oct. 9, 1944, in Holdrege, Neb. He was the fourth of nine children born to L. Burnell and Lois D. (Teaford) Kaup. Neil graduated from Oxford High School in 1963. Throughout high school, Neil worked at the Ford garage and the family owned Kaup gas station. He participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.
Neil received a bachelor of arts in education from Kearney State College in 1967. Neil played football all four years in college. The first two years, he was a quarterback breaking a record for passing and his last two years he earned All-American status as a safety. He received his masters of science in education from Wayne State College in 1977.
Neil worked at Homer Community School from 1968 to 1982 as a teacher, head football coach and principal. He was a man of excellent character and dedicated to his coaching. His 1970 team was the conference champion and the 1975 team was undefeated in regular season play. It is ironic that Neil's first and last year of coaching football had the same record, 7 wins - 1 loss. Much like Neil lived, he finished strong just as he started. Neil was also an avid lifelong Cornhusker football fan and was a squad leader and secretary for the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1982, Neil moved to Las Vegas, where he was employed in the gaming business at Circus Circus and MGM for more than 14 years. He worked as a poker dealer, floor supervisor and a shift supervisor.
Since retirement, Neil enjoyed multiple cruises and traveling with his wife, Louise, in their RV. They have traveled to 49 out of the 50 states, visiting numerous family and friends. Neil had a passion for all things football. He also loved playing golf with his buddies, playing poker, and loved March Madness for basketball. Neil and Louise enjoyed attending Central Christian Church and participated in country western dancing.
He leaves behind his wife, Louise Crosbie (and her children, Rob and Brenda) of Las Vegas; three daughters, Pat Bernstrauch and husband, Rodney of South Sioux City, Crystal Moses and husband, David of Lawrenceburg, Ky., and Bridget Johnson and husband, John of Olympia, Wash.; eight grandchildren, Chance and wife, Samantha, Kyle and wife, Ashley, Seth and Lane Bernstrauch, Matthew and Ashley Moses, Savannah and Hayden Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Peyton Bernstrauch; siblings, Joyce Smith, Lynn Frese, Myrl Rezac, Donn Kaup and wife, Cindy, Rita Rutan, Bruce Kaup and wife, Carla, Julie McDonald and husband, Dick; sister-in-law, Tammy Kaup; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Burnell and Lois Kaup; brother, Gary Kaup; and brothers-in-law, Dean Smith and Harlan Frese.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leonard Neil Kaup Memorial Fund with Siouxland Federal Credit Union, 3000 Plaza Drive, South Sioux City NE 68776, 402-494-2073.
Celebration of life is scheduled on Thursday, June 15 in Homer, NE where a commemorative bench will be dedicated in his honor. Additional information for the celebration of life will be available in the coming months, when arrangements have been finalized.
