Leland Larabee Obituary (1950 - 2021)

Leland Craig Larabee was born on December 11, 1950, in Clarinda Iowa to Elizabeth (Honecker) and Leland Larabee. He graduated from South Page High School where he played football. Craig met the love of his life, Janet Smith through her brother Mark. They dated for two years and on December 23, 1970, were married in a candlelight ceremony in Shenandoah, Iowa. This past December marked 50 years of marriage. Craig started selling real estate in 1970 in Arkansas. They moved to Nebraska in 1973. In 1977, Craig obtained his brokers license and started writing correspondence courses for the University of Nebraska. He became Assistant Education Director of the Nebraska School of Real Estate. In 1990, Craig and Janet opened the Larabee School of Real Estate. In 1995, Craig acquired the NE School of Real Estate. Two years later, he acquired the Professional School of Real Estate. Craig and Janet worked together at the Larabee School for 15 years. In 2002, Craig sold the Larabee School of Real Estate, but remained the Education Director until 2011. In 2013, JMSK Corporation was born. Craig ran the education side of the business. Through the years, Craig helped license thousands of agents with his teaching and knowledge of real estate. Craig held a GRI designation, wrote and critiqued for Dearborn Books. He taught and worked closely with the NeighborWorks program. Craig also taught continuing education for the Nebraska Auctioneers Association and was named an honorary auctioneer. Craig received many awards and distinctions throughout the years; too many to list. Craig was an active member of Lincoln Berean Church where he served in Spiritual Care and anywhere else he was needed. He was generous with his time and loved by many. Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Leland; two brothers, Rick and Gary Larabee; niece, Katrina Jackson; and two infant children. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Janet; their 4 children, Jacqueline (Ryan) Buller, and their two children, Hallie and Zander, Melissa Krouse and her two children, Emily and Evan, Scott (Samantha) Larabee, and Karissa (Marty) Oborny and their two sons, Jacob and Caleb; Jeannine Nyangira (daughter in love); sister, Susan (Alan) Jackson; sister-in-law, Robin (Scott) Petty; along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral service is 10:30 AM, Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 S. 70th Street, with Pastor Bryan Clark officiating. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service at the chrurch. Graveside service will be at 2:30 PM, Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa. Lincoln Family Funeral Care is handling arrangements. Memorials may be directed to his family for a later designation.