April 19, 1943 – September 6, 2025

Douglas “Doug” Lee was ushered into heaven on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:45 AM, at the age of 82.

He was born on April 19, 1943, in Shreveport, Louisiana. As a young boy, someone nicknamed him “Buster,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life. Doug was the younger brother of twin sisters who were stillborn and are now reunited with him in heaven. His brother, Paul James, was born eight years later, on December 26, 1956.

Doug graduated from Fair Park High School in 1961, where he loved playing trumpet in the marching band and second chair in the orchestra. He also enjoyed performing with the Shreveport Salvation Army Band. Dedicated to his church community, Doug often drove the Salvation Army’s oversized bus, transporting families to weekly and Sunday activities. The Salvation Army’s Captain admired how skillfully this high school student could maneuver and park the large vehicle in a narrow space between two buildings.

After graduation, Doug moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to live with his beloved grandmother, Bettie Upchurch, and his uncle, Fred. He went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in Construction Engineering. Despite struggling with severe migraine headaches, he was proud to complete his studies.

In 1971, Doug was introduced to Sharen through a mutual friend. They married on October 5, 1974, on a beautiful Arizona day that reached 105 degrees. Doug and Sharen built their life together in Mesa, Arizona, where they lived for 40 years.

Doug commuted 50 miles each day to Superior, Arizona, to work as an Engineer Surveyor at the Magma Copper Mine. He loved going deep underground to locate and plot new mining sites. When the mine closed in 1982 due to falling copper prices, Doug turned his attention to biomedical engineering. He began working at Mesa Lutheran Hospital and later at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix. He enjoyed the constant learning opportunities, including traveling to the East and West coasts for advanced training. Maintaining life-saving equipment and being called into surgeries was challenging but deeply rewarding.

In 2003, after four decades in Arizona, Doug and Sharen moved to Nebraska to help care for Sharen’s mother. Doug joined Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, where he continued his biomedical career. He semi-retired in 2019 but kept working part time. Despite his physical limitations in later years, Doug often expressed how much he missed the activity, camaraderie, and challenges of hospital work.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sharen. The couple would have celebrated 51 years of marriage on October 5th; daughter, Denise and her husband Paul. He is also survived by his brother, Paul; nephew, Christopher; and grandson, Rob.

A celebration of Douglas’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S 84th Street, Lincoln. Memorials to a charity of your choice.

The service may be viewed life by clicking the following link: Facebook.com/indianhillscommunitychurch

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Christa Carol Engel, 73, died surrounded by her children on August 27, 2025. Christa was born March 6, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur Donald Goeres and Lois May Fuhlbrigge. She was Baptized by her grandfather, Reverend William G. Fuhlbrigge, at First St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1952, in Chicago and confirmed in 1966 at Trinity Lutheran School in Bloomington, Illinois. She Graduated from University High School in Normal, Illinois and was granted a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City at Missouri.

Christa spent her career working in the clinical laboratory serving in a multitude of supervisor, manager and director roles in hospitals across the country. She retired on March 6, 2019, from Bryan Medical Center, after 26 years of service as the first Clinical Laboratory Director for both Bryan Medical Center East and West campuses.

Of all the titles Christa held, “Nana” was her most cherished.

She is survived by her children; daughter, Meghan Ray Engel (David) Paprocki, son, Andrew Goeres (Jessica) Engel; stepsons, Scott Ashton Engel and Christopher Michael Engel, all of Lincoln; grandchildren, Noah, Graeme, and Silas Hepburn; Chloe Meyer and Owen Engel; step-grandchildren, Jack, Isabelle, and August Engel; Sam, Sarah, and Keely Engel. Also left to mourn her passing, sister, Gwen (Rick) Norman of Arkansas; sister-in-law Susan (Thane) Papke of Missouri; many adoring nieces and nephews; very special friends Nathan and Pam Shelbourn, Joel and Cathy Heitbrink, and her beloved cat Luciano. She is proceeded in death by her parents, former husband Michael Ray Engel, and brother, John Fuhlbrigge Goeres.

Special thanks to Hospice of Nebraska for their loving care and support.

A celebration of Christa’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Southview Christian Church, 2040 South 22nd Street, Lincoln. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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Robert G. Lisec, 86, passed away on September 3, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born August 8, 1939, in Odell, Nebraska to Robert V. and Mary Lisec.

Robert will be remembered for his caring nature, generosity, loyalty, and strong work ethic. Above all, he devoted his life to his family, finding his greatest joy in providing for and loving them.

He was proud to have served his country as a Marine and later cherished the adventures of traveling the world with his wife, Laurabelle. He was also a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Robert loved cheering for Nebraska athletics, playing golf, and especially taking cruises with Laura, where they made many treasured memories together.

Robert is survived by his wife, Laurabelle; sons, Bradley (Lisa) Lisec and Rodney (Heather) Lisec; brother, Irvin Lisec; grandchildren, Tyler, Eleanor, Timothy, and Erin; and numerous family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward Lisec and Donald Lisec; and sister, Evelyn Colgrove.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Monday, September 8, 2025, at Wyuka’s Historic Rudge Chapel, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Wyuka’s Historic Rudge Chapel. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Wyuka Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to American Legion Post 3, Lincoln, Nebraska.

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Wilber Charles (Bill) Dakan was born in Burr, Nebraska, to Wilbur T Dakan and Ruth (Greenwade) Dakan, on June 29,1933. He passed away September 1, 2025, at 92 years old, under the watchful care of his daughter Joni, who was his primary caregiver for over 10 years.  Her personal care and dedication gave him his best life.

During his early years, Bill, his mother, father, and younger brother Jim lived in Burr Nebraska, Cook Nebraska, and finally Pawnee City Nebraska, where Bill spent his school age years.

It was in Pawnee City, where Bill acquired the skills that he was known for. As a young man, Bill would visit the various businesses in town, where he was allowed to watch and learn from the local craftsmen. Bill learned about woodworking, cabinetry and gained mechanical skills. As Bill got older, he worked at the hardware store and at his father’s Gas station.  It was here that Bill further developed his skills and strong work ethic. Those that know him best, knew there was nothing he could not build or fix, sometimes with simple hand tools.

One of Bills great loves was fishing. He and his father Bill Sr. and brother Jim spent many hours at Myers Falls outside of Pawnee City.  Bill graduated from Pawnee City High School, in 1951, and soon thereafter moved to Lincoln, to attend the University of Nebraska. Studying agriculture with a focus on poultry. He also worked on the East Campus in the hatchery barns. Soon after, his father, mother and brother also moved to Lincoln.

Bill met Danna Jean Cunningham while dating another girl. She insisted that Danna Jean come along. After a few dates in this situation, Bill quit picking up the other girl and it was just him and Danna Jean.  They spent a lot of time at Capitol Beach roller skating and going to the amusement park.   They would either ride his 1948 Cushman Scooter or take his 1940 Ford coupe with Cadillac hubcaps. He would tell the story of how the rumble seat compartment was filled with cement to give the car a lower stance; however, the ride was not the greatest.

In May of 1953 Bill was drafted into the United States Army. He did his basic Training at Fort Leanord Wood Kansas. It was while on leave after basic training that Bill and Danna Jean were married on December 23, 1953, at Christ Temple Church, by Reverend Trago McWilliams. A few days later Bill shipped out to London England, where he was assigned to the SCARWAF unit (Special Case Army Reassigned to Air Force) at an Air Force Base working with the Corp of Army Engineers.  Bill was assigned to the supply unit where he had full access to the shop equipment. We’re sure he was in heaven, based on his lifelong love of tools. Bill ended his military career serving in the Air National Guard until 1961.

On May 6, 1956, Bill and Danna Jean welcomed the birth of their first child, a daughter. named Janet Lou Dakan. However, Janet Lou only survived a few hours due to a heart defect. On October 28, 1957, their son Danny was born, and 11 months later, on September 26, 1958, their daughter Joni was born.  The young family then set up housekeeping in the Havelock area.  Their home was always open for guests and extended guests and family, offering a place of peace and refuge.

Bill took the social service test and became a United States Postal carrier. This became his main career. During his 33 years of service, he received many awards. One was “driver of the year”. This award was due to Bill having many years of accident-free driving. This was no small feat as Bill was in his mail truck for many hours daily, dodging all sorts of traffic hazards. Bill retired from the Post Office in 1988. Upon retirement, Bill worked alongside Danna Jean through the Law Office of John McHenry, overseeing guardianships. Bill also worked multiple part time jobs, doing mechanic work, auto upholstery, janitorial and at the Journal Star Newspaper.

Bill influenced the lives of those beyond his family, as he gave of his time and talents. For example:

He drove the church bus for many years, picking up kids for Sunday school, and taught Sunday school.  He was a Deacon and an Elder in the church. He was helpful in many church renovations, building school desks, nursery chairs, and many other items to bless those attending.  He even built Uncle Donald a pulpit and took it to his church in Missouri by tying it to the top of his ‘49 Ford.

He was Danny & cousin Rick Qualls Boy Scout leader.

Bill never stopped “Becoming” – It is evident by the volumes of books, tapes, CD’s, and Bibles in his home, that Bill loved Jesus and desired to walk closer with Him throughout his entire life. He even had to build additional bookcases, of course, just to hold it all!

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Danna Jean Dakan. Parents Wilbur T and Ruth Dakan. Brother James Dakan. Infant daughter Janet Lou Dakan. He is survived by His son Danny Dakan and his wife Michele. Daughter Joni Clevenger. Grandchildren, Robert Meyer, Daniel Meyer, Nick (Casey) Weaver and Jeannie (Isaac) Worrell. 3 great grandchildren – Aysha, Noah & Kinsley.  Many nieces and nephews.

Theme Scripture:  Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

“A good name is more desirable than riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Bill was known by many names. To his parent’s side of the family, he was called Bill jr. or Uncle Bill. On his wife’s side of the family, he was called Billy or Uncle Billy. To his children he was called Dad. At the Post Office he was called Wilber. At church he was Brother Bill. The name he liked the most, was given to him by his grandson Rob Meyer which was Poppa. Soon afterward, those in his closet circle called him that.

One-man multiple names. All good names. All meaning the same thing. Describing One good man. Bill always did the right thing. Never wavering. He taught us that it was better to be righteous than right. He showed Godly wisdom and strength which came from his deep personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This was done in humility, gentleness and patience.

Bill Jr., Billy, Uncle Billy, Dad, Wilber, Brother Bill, Poppa.

Well Done, faithful servant you finished well.

Psalms 23:6 – “Surely goodness and love followed you all the days of your life. Go now and dwell in the house of the Lord for eternity.”

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Wyuka Stables, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Wyuka Cemetery.

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He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita (Parkinson); daughter, Brenda (Mike) Bestwick; three step-grandchildren; one great-step-grandchild; sister, Pauline (Anderson) Wells; several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in the death by his parents, Merrill and Helen (King) Anderson; brothers, Percy (Ilene) Anderson, Merlin “Buddy” (Florence) Anderson; and brother-in-law, Robert Wells.

Graveside service will be held privately. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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Born on September 29, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Fred Brooks Sr. and Hybernia Reed Brooks. He attended school, and in 1968, he moved his family to Lincoln, Nebraska, determined to provide his children with greater educational opportunities.

Sterling worked diligently at Gooch’s Mill and ADM for more than 40 years before retiring.  Never one to sit still and always eager to connect with people, he continued working at Cracker Barrel, where he enjoyed sharing stories and conversations with friends and strangers.

A man of deep faith as a deacon in the Pentecostal church, Sterling was devoted to God and well-versed in the Bible, often spending time reading, teaching, and living by its word. He also found joy in traveling the highways, cruising around the city in his signature big- brimmed hats, and cherishing time with his beloved family.

Sterling is survived by his daughters, Sherry Brooks- Nelson and Sandra Brooks- Woods (Nathan), both of Lincoln, and Valencia Richardson of College Park, Georgia; his sons, Sterling Brooks Jr. (Mylene), George Brooks, and Raynard Brooks, all of Lincoln. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his 21 grandchildren, 22 great- grandchildren, and 5 great-great- grandchildren; sisters, Bettie Grey and Rosie Lyle s of Birmingham, Alabama, and Elgertha Robinson of Cleveland, Ohio, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family also survive him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Brooks Sr. and Hybernia Reed Brooks; siblings, Earline Foster, Freddie Mae Brooks, and Fre d Brooks Jr.; his son-in-law, James Nelson; daughter-in-law, Dawn Brooks; and grandson, Joshua Brooks.

Sterling life will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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Nick was in his senior year at University of Nebraska Lincoln, working towards a degree in Marketing, and where he was on the Dean’s List.  He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  He was a proud employee at Firethorn Golf Resort.

Nick was a ray of sunshine who never met a stranger. He had the most infectious smile and laugh, to go along with his sharp wit.  He was the brightest light, purest heart, and sweetest soul. Nick made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness was effortless, his presence comforting, and his energy could fill a room. Whether he was making someone laugh, offering a helping hand, or simply being himself, Nick had a way of making people feel truly seen and valued.

He is survived by his parents, Tony and Niki Bisesi; sisters, Tara Bisesi and Taylor (Harrison) Agena; nephew, Hayden Agena; and niece, Eliana Agena, who was born after Nick’s passing and will grow up surrounded by stories of her uncle’s incredible spirit. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rick Sharp and Kim Sharp, and paternal grandparents, John and Mary Ann Bisesi.

A service of remembrance and dedication of Nick’s final resting place will be held at 4:00PM on Friday, October 3rd at Fairview Cemetery, 8400 Adams Street, Lincoln. 

Nick’s light will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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Wendy was beloved by everyone lucky enough to know her. The quintessential caregiver, she was a constant source of support for her husband, her daughters, her grandchildren, and anyone she knew who needed it. All who knew her will remember her as a devoted mother and wife with a generous spirit and open heart.

She is survived by her husband, Richard, her daughters Maddie, Annie, and Becky, her brother, Richard, and six grandchildren (Harrison, Hank, Ellie, Sammy, Emily, and Richie). She is preceded in death by her daughter Emily.

Services will be at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow. Family and friends will be having an open house at Wendy and Richard’s home at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Connected Forever in Nebraska.

Memorial Contributions to: Donations | Connected Forever

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October 14, 1933 – August 25, 2025

Carl Dean Tesch Sr., age 91, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was most proud of his family.

Carl was born in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Elvin Tesch and Roseline Bartz. He graduated from Austin High School in 1952 and married Betty Abrahams in 1954. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Carl ran Cleveland Hardware in Austin Minnesota before starting a 40-year career in insurance and financial services in 1960. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and spent 30 years with John Hancock Financial, serving in management roles in both Lincoln and Ames, Iowa. After retirement, he dedicated much of his time to volunteer and community service, including work with Kiwanis, the Clinton Neighborhood Association, and Meals on Wheels. Together Carl and Betty loved traveling—whether to visit their children and grandchildren or to explore abroad. Their journeys included trips to Europe, England, and Poland, where they enjoyed tracing family history.

A long-time member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Carl’s strong faith was a guiding light throughout his life.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; his sister, Sharolyn; and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children, Deanna Gregg, Carl Tesch Jr., Julie (Jon) Hedges, and William (Cheryl) Tesch; he was also blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Cheryl Slivinski, Karen (Kevin) Derrick, Thomas Gregg, Daniel (Jessie) Gregg, Katherine (Jim) Porter, Philip (Jamie) Tesch, Nathan (Katherine) Tesch, Ellen Tesch, Douglas (Alexus) Tesch, Paul Hedges, Steven Hedges, Jenny Hedges, Derek (Laura) Tesch, and Dylan Tesch; and fourteen great-grandchildren; and brother, Stewart Wilson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Historic Rudge Chapel (Wyuka Cemetery), 3600 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, with a reception afterward at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7979 Holdrege St, Lincoln, NE 68505.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

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Cheryl was loved by many in the community for her colorful personality, style and her love for people. She has worked in human services at the Lincoln Regional Center and The Salvation Army Shield, to name a few. She loved to read, write poetry and draw.

She is survived by her five children (oldest to youngest) Chanel M. Hunter, Capricessa Edwards-Guidry, Thomas J. Jackson, Damion Jackson and Michael D. Jackson; grandchildren, Tiara Jackson, Sadiea Jackson, DeMarcus Jackson, Ameliaon Jackson, James C. Jackson, Alaris Jackson, and DeSean Jackson.. She will be remembered and missed for her vitality and adventurous soul.

Cheryl’s funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Wyuka Historical Chapel, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Rudge Chapel. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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