Leslie R. “Les” Roberts, age 85, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and more recently of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Kearney. He was born on March 3, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Les attended Evans Junior High School in Ottumwa, Iowa, before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he attended Southeast High School. As a member of the student body, he was part of the group that named Southeast High School the “Knights,” a distinction he always remembered with pride.

Les built a respected and accomplished career as a concrete finisher and cement mason—one of the skilled tradesmen responsible for placing, leveling, smoothing, and finishing concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, roads, and foundations. He later served as a construction supervisor with Wasemiller Construction, where he managed daily on-site operations, coordinating workers, subcontractors, and materials to ensure projects were completed safely and on time. Through his work and leadership, Les and his crew quite literally helped build Lincoln in concrete, leaving a lasting legacy in the community he loved.

In addition to his work, Les had a deep love for gardening, which he faithfully tended for over 55 years alongside his beloved wife, Joanie. Together, they cultivated not only beautiful gardens, but also a life marked by care, patience, and shared joy.

Les was respected and loved by his children, his community, his church family, and even the strangers he met on a daily basis. He was a kind and gentle man who loved life and deeply cherished his family.

Les was married to the love of his life, Joan C. “Evenson” Roberts, for 66 1⁄2 years. Together they shared a life of deep devotion, faith, and family.

From an early age, Les was a lifelong and faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His faith in Jesus Christ shaped his life and service. He served as a deacon, taught junior Sabbath School, and faithfully gave Bible studies to inmates at the local prison, quietly influencing many through his steady witness and compassionate spirit. His trust in Jesus remained unwavering to the very end; his final words were a prayer: “Jesus, I want to walk with You in Your garden.”

He is survived by his son, Rick Roberts of Lincoln, Nebraska; his daughter, Cathy Roberts Ward (Michael) of Kearney, Nebraska; his granddaughter, Emily Gammie (David) of Streator, Illinois; his grandson, Ricky Roberts of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister, Bettie Ribblet of Lincoln, Nebraska; and a few nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan C. “Evenson” Roberts; his mother, Virginia Hohl of Lincoln, Nebraska; his father, William “Bill” Roberts; his brothers, Billy Roberts and Jerry Roberts; his sisters, Linda Stenglein and Julia Stroebel; and his in-laws, Elmo “Jiggs” Evenson and Joan Evenson.

A memorial service will be held in June, with details to be announced at a later date.

Les now rests in Jesus, awaiting the resurrection morning. In the blessed hope of Christ’s soon return, we look forward to the day when the voice of Jesus will call him forth from the grave, and together we will walk with Him in His garden—restored, whole, and rejoicing in eternal life.

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