Harvey William Lile, 81, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, Linda, and his son, Keith.

Harvey was born on March 16, 1945, at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, to Keith Harvey and Helen June (Whitmarsh) Lile, while his father was serving overseas during World War II.

From an early age, Harvey was curious, creative, and hardworking. As a youth, he was active in Boy Scouts, woodworking, and the Amateur Radio Club. He especially loved setting up toy trains around the Christmas tree each year. He graduated from Lincoln High School on June 5, 1964.

After high school, Harvey enlisted in the United States Air Force. He graduated from aerospace technical school and later served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1969. Returning home to Nebraska, Harvey began working as an apprentice at Kiddwell Electric. He soon earned his electrician’s license and started his own business, H&L Electric, in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

In 1972, Harvey met the love of his life, Linda Strecker, and the couple married on April 27, 1974. They lived in Nebraska City, Nebraska until 1986, they moved their family to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Harvey continued his career as a master electrician. Over the years, he worked at Bryan Memorial Hospital, Molex, and later retired from Lincoln Parks and Recreation. Harvey also completed countless electrical side projects for homeowners, local businesses, the State Fair, and traveling carnivals. Among his many accomplishments, he wired the lighting inside the dinosaur exhibit at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Harvey was a man of remarkable talent and determination. If he was not working, he was volunteering his time or building something with his hands. He completed all of his own home remodeling projects and taught himself new skills through books and perseverance. An exceptional craftsman, Harvey built kitchen cabinets, fireplace mantels, entertainment centers, bassinets, toy scooters, and custom dog beds and feeding stands for his beloved grand-puppies, just to name a few of his creations.

Faith was an important part of Harvey’s life. He was raised in the United Methodist Church and converted to the Catholic faith in 1973. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and generously donated countless hours and supplies to help maintain and repair electrical systems at many Catholic Churches.

Above all else, Harvey cherished his family. He loved unconditionally and took great pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was the kind of father who could always be counted on for support, guidance, and a helping hand. Harvey also served as an assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop 78 alongside his son. He loved camping and fishing with his family and treasured the memories they made together outdoors.

One of Harvey’s favorite stories was the day he caught an 18-pound, 3-ounce, 42.5-inch Northern Pike while camping with his wife and two young daughters on September 13, 1979—a season record that year. He traveled 13 hours to Michigan twice to help his grandson complete his Eagle Scout project. He cherished taking his granddaughter Morgan to the Children’s Zoo, the flower gardens, and parks around Lincoln. Elizabeth and Steven loved it when their grandpa would take them to Antelope Park, lovingly known in the family as “Grandpa’s Park.” Eleanor always looked forward to the special Mickey Mouse pancakes Grandpa would make for her, while Alec treasured learning woodworking skills and creating projects alongside his grandpa. Harvey also enjoyed making homemade wine (fondly referred to grandpa shine by the family) with his father-in-law, a hobby that brought him great joy and many fond memories.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (Strecker) Lile of Lincoln, Nebraska; his children, Jennifer (Leighanne) Brown of Columbus, Ohio, Lisa (Michael II) Rea of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Keith Lile of Lincoln, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Kenneth) Bennett, Alec Rea, Eleanor Rea, Steven Brown, and Morgan Lile; his brother, David Lile of Oldsmar, Florida; his aunt and uncles, LaVerne Whitmarsh of Lincoln, Nebraska, Phyllis (Robert) Foreman of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Duane Whitmarsh of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Helen Lile of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, Rosary will start at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 7601 Vine St, Lincoln, NE  68505

A lunch-in will follow the mass before heading to lay Harvey to rest.

He will be laid to rest at the Omaha National Cemetery (14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138) at 14:30 (2:30 p.m.) on May 19th, 2026.

A Celebration Of Life fish fry will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Holmes Lake Park picnic area ((Holmes N Shore Rd, Lincoln, NE 68506) (near S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd.)) Guests with a fishing license are invited to cast a line in the water (poles and bait will be provided) in honor and remembrance of Harvey.

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