Robert E. Lonnecker

August 29, 1931 – September 23, 2026

Bob was preceded in death by wife, Joanna, son, Robert G. Lonnecker, parents, Glynn and Lillian Lonnecker, brother, David Lonnecker and sister, Jacquelyn Scamperino. Survived by children, Rebecca Berg (Rich), Karen Tompsett (Steve) and Carol Brush (Mike). Grandchildren, Toby Pacer (Tom) Joanna Tefft (Sam), Erin Chytil (Tommy), Timothy Tompsett (Ariel), James Brush (Michele), Stephanie Berve (Brendan). Sisters, Mary Miller and Beth Ferryman. Seventeen great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Omaha Technical High School. He excelled as a swimmer, competing at the State level. He taught all his children how to swim at Merritt Beach where the family enjoyed many summers. This is a talent he passed on to several of his grandchildren and great grands.

He met the love of his life, Joanna, on a blind date and they married in 1952. He had to get his parents' permission to marry as he was only 20. Their marriage spanned 73 years. Together they welcomed four children, Becky, Bob, Karen and Carol.

Bob spent several years working in the insurance field. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 25 years, from 1950 to 1975, retiring as a Sergeant Major. In the late 1950s, he began his career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked until his retirement in 2001.

Bob was an avid golfer and bowler, involved with several leagues throughout the years. He took great pride in his rose bushes and loved spending time tending to them. He was an enthusiastic reader and a lifelong fan of Husker football, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Bears. He recorded all his sports teams and re-watched their games many times.

He was active in supporting St. Paul United Methodist Church in a variety of ways. He helped on a committee overseeing their finances, and led bible study for a number of years.

He especially loved dancing with his wife, Joanna. They loved square dancing with the Westernnaires Club for many years. The two of them also shared a great love of travel, exploring many places in the US (every state except Alaska) and around the world together. They included several grandchildren on some of their trips. Traveling was a lifelong passion.

They had many lifelong friends and enjoyed entertaining. Above all, Bob was devoted to his family. His love, kindness, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Braman Mortuary, 6505 South 144th Street, Omaha, NE. Visitation at 10:00, followed by the service at 11:00. Luncheon to follow. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to the Arthritis Foundation.