Dwayne LeRoy Arehart (January 14, 1935 ~ March 9, 2026)

Dwayne "Lee" LeRoy Arehart passed away at the age of 91 yrs old on March 9, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born to Harold LeRoy Arehart and Irene Alice (Arvidson) Arehart on January 14, 1935 in Holdrege, Nebraska.

Right after high school, Lee joined the army and served faithfully for 2 years. Upon his discharge, he moved home where he met the love of his life, Jean Delores Chapman in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. They were joined in marriage on February 23rd, 1957. Together, Lee and Jean had five children. Their lives focused around faith in Jesus Christ and their family.

Lee had an entrepreneurial spirit that was evidenced by his vast hobbies and varied endeavors throughout his life. While living in Wyoming, he and his best friend Jack worked part time as Elk Hunting guides, taking "city boys" up into the mountains to hunt elk. He bred Morgan horses (how he got into that is a story in itself!) with his pride mare being Buckwheat and his pride stud, Twin Ida Ben Dawn. Buckwheat won pretty much every competition she was entered in and was even National Champion in 1974.

Lee moved his family back to Nebraska from Wyoming in 1976 mostly due to his father's health issues. Lee always had an interest in helping kids and starting a kids camp. Shortly after moving back to Nebraska, his dream came true when he took a position as the director of a Christian camp for kids. He convinced the board of directors to sell the current property and buy a large piece of property in Central City, Nebraska. He came up with the plans for this decentralized camp where kids could come and experience life in a covered wagon, teepee or tree house, learn to ride horses, canoe down the river or cook over a campfire and most importantly, learn about Jesus. The unique campsites were built by Lee and his sons along with a lot of volunteer help. That camp, Timberlake Ranch Campsno is still a successful and life changing camp today.

Several years later Lee came up with the idea of starting his own muffler shop in Kearney Nebraska. It was called Mighty Muffler and they focused on customized muffler systems. It was very successful and employed not only him but also his sons and a son-in-law for several years. He ended up franchising the business and expanding it. There were Mighty Muffler shops in Kearney, Hastings, North Platte and Salina, Kansas.

Lee's wheels were always turning, trying to come up with a new idea. Some were successful. Some were not so much. How he knew or learned how to do some of the things he did still amazes. He had a natural talent for just figuring things out - a talent that was passed down to both his boys.

Lee had a very sarcastic and witty sense of humor. He also liked to be in charge and the one giving the orders! He could make you furious one minute and laughing hysterically the next. He loved his wife and best friend, Jeanie (as he liked to call her), his kids and grandkids, his dogs, his horses, and his car (and in later years, any car that he could get keys to). He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Arehart, his parents, Harold and Irene Arehart, his grandson, Anthony "Tony" Arehart, and his son-in-law George Smith.

He is survived by his children: Tonja Wendt of Bellevue, Nebraska; Lori Smith(George) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Teresa Vaughn(David) of Omaha, NE; Mark Arehart(Krystal) of Kearney, NE; and James Arehart(Lynn) of Ravenna, NE

Lee also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jeffrey, Lyndsey, Emily, David, Jakob, Ben, Nya, Jason, Syneca, Aaron, Sean, Sara, Kylee, Samantha, Jaxon and Ashlee. His great-grandchildren: Caleb, Cady, Camden, Cora, Kingston, Aden, Jonah, Auri, Wren, Hannah, Hudson, Caleb, Maty, Saige, Chloe, Carson, Maisyn, Scarlett and Graelyn

A memorial service honoring both Lee and his wife, Jean will be held at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services ( 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171)