Loran Alex Inselman

June 4, 1931 – June 3, 2025

Loran Alex Inselman, a man of deep faith, humility, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025—just one day before he turned 94 years old.

Loran was born on June 4, 1931 in Leigh, Nebraska to Alexander Henry Inselman and Lorna Sophia (Wille) Inselman. Raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Loran was taught the value of serving Jehovah, family, honesty, and hard work—principles that shaped his life.

He shared his early years with his brothers Larry, Lowell and Roger. Growing up together on the family farms in the Columbus, Nebraska area. They enjoyed a simple, joyful life filled with chores, adventures, and attending congregation meetings with their parents. As a young man, Loran bought his first car—a 1927 Model T for just $30.00.

Loran was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 23, 1950, in Kansas. This began a life of service to Jehovah.

On June 4, 1951 Loran was accepted to Brooklyn Bethel and moved to New York where he worked in the book bindery dept. While there he made many lifetime friends.

While in New York, he met and fell in love with Delores Joan Scelia who shared the same love for full-time service.  Loran & Joan were married in March of 1957 in Mamaroneck, New York. Together they moved to where the need was great—Athens, Texas. There they served as special pioneers, dedicating 150 volunteer hours each month to the ministry. They lived simply in a 27-by-7-foot trailer.

In the early 1960s Loran and Joan went into traveling Circuit work. Their first assignment was in St. Joseph, Missouri, and they later also served in Kansas, Arkansas and Texas until 1971. Making more life long friends wherever they went.

Loran and Joan lived from 1971 to the late 1990s pioneering in Jasper, Texas. They were known for their hard work in the ministry and warm hospitality, always welcoming all who came to visit with open hearts and kindness. People would come from all over East Texas and Lousiana to have Loran work on their cars. It was always just enough for them to live on. They enjoyed living behind the Kingdom Hall in a trailer that always had an open door and a meal to share. They studied the Bible with many who became part of the congregation and family.

Loran and Joan later moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in the late 1990’s where they served in the Airpark Congregation. Loran continued to enjoy working on cars. Especially his favorite: 1931 Dodge, which he loved to take friends and family for rides in. So many wanted to go to Culvers with them in the car, so they had to make a schedule that was hard to get in on many times.

Several years after Joan Delores passed away, Loran eventually married Joan Grimes Pettit in May of 2014. They lived in Lufkin, Texas, and served in the congregation there. They enjoyed a happy marriage, sharing in the ministry and spending time with their many friends in Lufkin.

In Dec 2024 Loran fell and was hospitalized for his injury.  So in March 2025, Loran moved back to Lincoln, Nebraska to recover and live with his niece Leta and her husband Ron, where he spent his final months surrounded by many family and friends with much love and care. Anyone who knew Loran, knew you could still set your clock to his coffee breaks.

Loran was known to be a quiet man, but when he spoke, his words were always meaningful and thoughtful. He encouraged others not only through his kind and uplifting words but also by the example he set in his daily life. He often did kind deeds for others quietly, showing his care and compassion. Living simply, Loran always put Jehovah and His Kingdom first. He deeply appreciated his family and friends, cherishing the bonds he formed with them throughout his life.

Loran is survived by:
His wife: Joan Grimes-Pettit Lufkin, TX
His brothers: Larry Inselman and his wife Pat of Lincoln, NE
Roger Inselman and his wife Arlene of Tacoma, WA
His nieces and their spouses:
Chris Harms and her husband Jim-Omaha, NE
Leta Thompson and her husband Ron-Raymond, NE
Tonya Lucas and her husband Jim-Lincoln, NE
LaRay Will and her husband Andy-Malcolm, NE
His great-nieces and great-nephews:
Roman Thompson and his wife Mariah, and their children Delaney and Carter
Ellie Oakman and her husband Gavin
Torin Thompson and his wife Lynzey
Jessica Lucas
Shane Lucas
Draven Thompson

He was preceded in death by:
His parents, Alex Inselman and Lorna (Wille) Inselman
His wife, Joan Delores (Scelia)
His brother and sister-in-law, Lowell Inselman and Gloria Inselman
His nephews: Brad Inselman, Paul Inselman, Matthew Inselman

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