Janice Alexander, as a loving wife, shared seven decades of commitment and partnership with Leland Alexander.
Highlights
- Leland Alexander lived a multifaceted life of service, successfully balancing multiple professional roles including a custom feedlot business, farming operation, 30+ years at the Plainview Post Office, and co-ownership of Plainview Clothing for 35 years.
- Leland and Janice Alexander shared an extraordinarily long and successful marriage spanning 70 years, demonstrating remarkable commitment and partnership in both their personal and business lives.
- Family was the centerpiece of Leland’s life, with his legacy living on through his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, showcasing the profound impact of his values across four generations.
Leland “Lee” Merle Alexander lived a remarkable life defined by his entrepreneurial spirit, community dedication, and unwavering commitment to family.
Born on July 4, 1930, in Plainview, Nebraska, to Marguerite and Gilbert Alexander, Lee’s early years were spent working diligently on the family farm.
This foundation of hard work shaped his character and established the values that guided him throughout his 94 years.
After graduating from Plainview High School, Lee pursued higher education at Wayne State University before continuing his academic journey at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
There, he distinguished himself as an exceptional track athlete, developing a passion for running that would remain with him throughout his life.
Lee’s professional life exemplified his versatility and work ethic. He built a successful custom feedlot business and managed a thriving farming operation.
His service to the community extended to over three decades at the Plainview Post Office, where he became a familiar and beloved figure to local residents.
His entrepreneurial venture alongside his wife Janice—Plainview Clothing—operated successfully for 35 years, becoming a cornerstone business in the community.
Community involvement remained central to Lee’s identity. His contributions to Plainview were numerous and meaningful, earning him respect and admiration from fellow residents.
Lee’s positive outlook on life, combined with his dedication to those around him, made him an influential figure whose impact extended far beyond his immediate circle.
Lee passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and community service that continues to inspire all who knew him.
Throughout Their 70-Year Marriage, Janice Alexander Proved To Be a Steadfast Wife
Janice Alexander stands as the enduring cornerstone of Leland Alexander’s life and legacy.
Their remarkable love story began in the early 1950s, culminating in their wedding on June 28, 1951, at the Congregational Church in Plainview.
Their union would span an extraordinary seven decades, demonstrating the power of commitment, partnership, and enduring love.
As Lee’s life partner, Janice shared in all his entrepreneurial ventures, most notably co-owning and operating Plainview Clothing for 35 years.
Their business partnership reflected their personal relationship—built on mutual respect, shared vision, and complementary strengths.
Together, they created not just a successful business but also established themselves as pillars of the Plainview community.
Janice and Lee celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2021, marking a milestone that few couples reach.
Their love story became an inspiration for friends, family, and community members who witnessed their enduring devotion.
Beyond their business partnership, Janice and Lee raised three children together—Gaylyn, Sheila, and Angie.
Their family eventually expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating a lasting legacy that spans four generations.
Throughout their marriage, Janice provided unwavering support for Lee’s various endeavors while establishing her own identity within their community.
Their relationship exemplifies the beauty of growing older together, facing life’s challenges side by side, and celebrating its joys as one.
As Lee “hung up his spikes” for the final time, Janice stood surrounded by the family they built together, embodying the strength and grace that characterized their remarkable partnership.
Janice now carries forward their shared legacy, surrounded by the love of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The Alexander family continues to honor the values Lee and Janice instilled—commitment to family, service to community, and unfailing positivity in the face of life’s challenges.
Additional Information
- Leland Alexander was an avid track athlete in his youth, earning recognition at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and his passion for running continued throughout his life—a detail referenced in his daughter’s tribute where she mentioned he “finally hung up his spikes.”
- Lee was a member of the Plainview Congregational United Church of Christ, where his funeral services were held, demonstrating his spiritual commitment.
- He was known as a man of “unwavering positivity” according to his obituary, a characteristic that made him influential to others like Dean Kruger, who called him “one of the MOST influential people in my life” in a Facebook tribute.
