David Erven Lionberger
David Erven Lionberger, 88, passed away peacefully at Tabitha Journey House in Lincoln on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 with family by his side. He was born January 24, 1935 to Fred Erven and Ruby Ruth Lionberger in Lincoln, Nebraska.
David attended Lincoln Northeast High School where he met his future wife, Marjorie Kohl. They graduated in the Class of 1953. He and Marjorie married on February 7, 1954, and were married for 69 years until her passing earlier this year. David served in the Naval Reserve 1953-1957. He worked for Pepsi Cola for several years, Goodyear Tire Company for 20 years, and later with his brother at George Lionberger Construction for many years. He later was employed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles as a driver’s license examiner. After leaving the DMV, he worked for the Nebraska Association of Public Employees as a union liaison until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, he and Marjorie took a well-deserved trip to Switzerland which became one of their favorite memories. He made hundreds of batches of wine over the years which were enjoyed immensely by family and friends. He enjoyed reading, visiting, and telling stories. He loved to hunt and enjoyed the time spent with his sons, grandsons, and good buddies. He raised and trained numerous hunting dogs over the years. He was an avid iris gardener and a member of the Lincoln Iris Society. His hybridized iris named Marjorie Lou is registered with the American Iris Society.
David was a man of strong faith, character and morals. His faith in God carried him through his life and he never wavered from it. Life without Marjorie was too lonely for him and we are grateful his sorrow has ended. We will miss everything about him: his singing, his wise counsel, his stories, his phone calls, his wisdom of the Scripture, the family history only he can recall, and even his compulsive need to worry. He will be remembered for his generosity, and his dedication and love for his family.
He is survived by his six children: daughter Linda Obrecht (Jeff); son Mark (Cindy); son Luke (Pam); daughter Melinda Smith (Bill); son Dan; and daughter Amy Smith (Don). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his younger brother George, and his younger sister Margaret Kent.
Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Journey House. We can never thank you enough for the love and care you gave to our father and our entire family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Journey House, 4615 J Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510 or Lincoln Iris Society, 103 S. 36th Road, Syracuse, Nebraska 68446-7407.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for David Erven Lionberger
This man was the rock of our family. I don’t know what we will do without him to consult with. Even though I live hundreds of miles away, I will miss my Uncle David every day until I meet him again. My heart is with my Nebraska Family who have lost a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, etc. My sincerest condolences to you all.
So many fond memories from my youth have my Uncle Dave in them. So much time lost but what is that compared to what is coming. I am glad we got the chance to catch up and reminisce about the past. Until we meet again, rest in peace. Deepest condolences to all my cousins and their families.
I first met Mr Lionberger when he and Marjorie joined the Iris society. . He and Marjorie were such a lovely couple and so nice. His patience and level head and kindness, was very welcome . He has been and will be missed. RIP, you are reunited with Marjorie.
Linda and Jeff, We are Praying for You and Your Family.
David was a great man and like a second father to me. He was someone I looked up to my whole life. I have fond memories of hunting, cutting fire wood, helping carry brick and mortar as a young guy for him and my father. Later in life, some wonderful spiritual conversation sitting at the table over a cup of coffee. He was a very loving man and like a grandfather to my children. Later he took my sons hunting and running Beagles where my boys would come home exhausted because Uncle David could out walk them. He was a straight forward man who minced no words and I greatly respected that. He was also a chosen man of God who’s faith never wavered and the importance of living Godly in the faith was his priority. As life went on and many people came and went, I always stayed in contact with him and later lived a block away where we had often deep conversations and my kids ran around in the ally next door. I will forever miss him but I know he’s a sleep in Jesus. Until we all see each other in the blinding glory of God, peace by with you.
Love, Stephen, Carrie and children.
Sincere condolences to my cousins who I love dearly. David was a wonderful man and I was blessed to hear his childhood stories and learn more about my own family when I visited him these past few months. I regularly visited him and Marge when I traveled back from Denver, Arkansas and Texas. I will always remember he paid for my first driver license, he helped lay brick in my childhood home and hosted deer processing parties when I was little. I so enjoyed sharing my garden veggies and making him canned green tomatos. Until we meet again David. Blessings to all.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul! My Great Uncle David really was the backbone of the family – even hundreds of miles away. He and his sister (my Nana, when she was still alive) would talk everyday – between hours’ long phone calls, pages of emails, or handwritten letters. After her death, he and my grandfather would chat for just the same amount of time over the phone. He baptized me as a baby as well as my daughter when she was a baby. He would always get a big smile on his face any time I would call him “Uncle David the Great” (and once told his sister that he loved being called that because he was the greatest). He was a man of faith and his path was truly one all Christians aspire to live. His stories were witty and deep! I could go on and on! Needless to say, he will be missed! However, as family, we can be comforted with the fact that he is home and we will see him again one day. Love to you all!!!
The description of David’s character and personality scripted in the obituary is spot on. I have many fond memories of him and your family. Thinking of you all.
He will be greatly missed at our iris club.
Dave was my best friend. We hunted & ran hounds for 20 plus years. Dave came into my life a couple of years after my Dad passed. It is amazing how God brings people into our lives when we need them the most. Some of the tale gate conversations about God, hounds and life will be some of my best memories. I was also baptized by Dave, as well as my son and grandson. Dave was the best hounds man I have ever met. I remember a dog Dave got. He told me he named it Sugar. I tried to explain how silly it was going to be for two old men yelling Sugar in the woods was going to sound. I think he laughed every time I yelled “Sugar come”. Dave explained he was going to have to give up our hunting weekends, because he needed to take care of his wife. I told him a man needs to take care of what’s most important. I will miss Dave and Marjorie every day if my life. Rest in Peace old friend. Love you always.