Dr. Allen Ray Hohensee
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Allen Ray Hohensee died 5/24/24, surrounded by his family, after 10 years with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
Al was born on July 15, 1942 to Emma (Kolar) and Clarence Hohensee in a Lincoln home near 21st and O. He attended Capitol grade school then Everett Jr. High. He actively participated in varsity football and basketball at Southeast High School, graduating in 1961.
Al had jobs at a fast food restaurant and Smiley’s Conoco during high school and had planned on continuing them until a friend persuaded him to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for no reason other than it seemed like it was what everyone else was doing. He loved college, graduating in 1965, then working as a Graduate Assistant doing research on chicken chromosomes. This led to medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Toward the end of his medical training, Al undertook a preceptorship alongside Dr. Lee at Bryan Hospital. After graduating medical school in 1969, he practiced family medicine with Drs. Harley and Schwenke, followed by 8 years of emergency medicine at Bryan Hospital, 12 years in internal medicine at the VA, and another 12 years in reviewing disability claims for the Federal Government.
During his medical preceptorship at Bryan, fate intervened with a serendipitous meeting with a med tech student Susan Russell, which he fondly recalled as “The best day of my life.” They were married on May 24, 1969. Al, an instrument-rated pilot, and Sue found joy in soaring through the skies together in a small 7770 Piper airplane. They loved spending time on their land, planting thousands of trees. Avid Husker fans, they regularly cheered on the volleyball team from the front row. Al was a financial whiz and was always keeping busy trying to surpass the performance of the S&P 500.
Al is survived by his adoring wife of 55 years, Susan, of Lincoln; his children Dr. Samantha Mack (Bryan) of Denver, Russell (Catherine) of Vail, Colorado; his grandchildren Savannah (8), and twins Claire & Hudson (6) of Denver; his brother Jack (Sheryl) of Omaha; sister-in-law Sally Russell of Cataldo, Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Emma Hohensee, Susan’s parents, Bill & Betty Russell, and sisters Darlene Holbert & Gladys Purcell.
He recently said “I had a really good life. My only regret is leaving Susan….”
In lieu of flowers, please send a personal note to Susan letting her know your memories of Al.
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.
Condolences for Dr. Allen Ray Hohensee
Aunt Sue, I’m so sorry for the loss of Alan. My thoughts go out to you, and your extended family. I’ve only known the two of you since Terry introduced me, but I was fond of you both.
Until we meet again, know I’m thinking of you and trusting the pain and heartache you are enduring will at least subside over time.
Love you,
Alan
Susan, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Sounds like he has been through a lot these past 10 years and you are to be commended for being by his side that whole time. Keep those dear memories close to your heart and look for the signs that he will be sending you.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss of your husband. He had a long battle with his disease. I know you will miss him very much.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Dear Susan – I have just learned of the passing of your very loved husband and wanted to send my thoughts and care to you. There couldn’t have been a more loving wife to Al. Your strength surely sustained him and you throughout very hard times. I hope to see you again in exercise class but please let me know if I can do anything to help you. Ann
Susan:
So sorry to hear about Allen. Praying peace and comfort over your family. During this difficult time take care of yourself.
Verdeen Stratton
My condolences on your loss; I knew Al from my time working with him at the VA and always thought of him as a gentleman and a scholar. He helped me to navigate the bureaucracy of the VA with good humor and patience, and left an impact on my career in medicine. Truly a great guy.
Sue….thinking of you during this hard time for you and your family…..Barb
Condolences on your loss. Knew him in my work
as Team Leader of the VA’s Vet Center Counseling
program at 9/L. Prayers.
I recall spending time with Samantha at Allen and Susan’s home near 56th and Sumner area. We had fun playing dress up and swimming. Allen and Susan always made me feel welcome. Deepest condolences to all family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Sue!!! I have so many fond memories of Dr Hohensee and all the countless number of calls to you in the BMH lab. You always were the best person to answer with your sweet helpful attitude. I was one of the ICU/CCU RNs from as far back as 1st East and retired in 2019.
Oh, Sue, so sorry to hear of your loss. Time goes by so fast! It seems like yesterday that you were all of a sudden you were very interested in a young doctor in the ER room. Those were the days!!
I worked with Dr. Hohensee for probably all of his years at the Lincoln VA. I truly enjoyed working with him in helping veteran patients. Not always the easiest patients to work with, but he connected with them, and they became loyal to him. I enjoyed his sense of humor. I share his passion in tree planting, and would like to send a contribution to further benefit that mutual goal, should you have a dedicated organization or program that he supported. I valued my limited time with him. My condolences to the family.
Sue with loving thoughts and deepest sympathy.
Sue and family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Allen. My deepest sympathies and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.