Robert D. Perry Jr.
Robert Donald Perry, Jr., aged 60, of Seward, Nebraska passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. Robert is survived by his wife Joleen, his sons Ian Perry and Julius Elwell, and sisters Lynn Brenner and Barbara Poukish. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Nawrocki Perry, and father, Robert Perry.
Robert was born in Wilmington, Delaware on May 15, 1965 and grew up in Hockessin, Delaware. He went on to study at the University of Delaware and the Saint Paul School of Theology. Robert worked for several years as a Reverend with the United Methodist Church in Seward, Kearney, Osceola, Dawson, and Omaha.
Robert was a lifelong outdoorsman whose hobbies included cooking, sailing, hiking, camping, and fishing. He devoted his time on earth to helping those less fortunate than himself through ministry, charity, and advocacy. His family remembers him as a loving husband, father, brother, and Denver Broncos fan, and Philadelphia Phillies.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the family.
Services will be held at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln: 8550 Pioneers Blvd. on Thursday, June 4th at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the church’s website, stmarks.org.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Roberts’s memory be given to the family who will then donate to a designated charity.
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.
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Condolences for Robert D. Perry Jr.
Rob was the most absolute most wonderful person in the world! So very kind and caring and wanted to help anyone with anything large or small and go the extra mile to extend his kindness to make someone’s day!
He will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to the family.
Cathie Guida-Receptionist -Preserve location- Lincoln NE
A wonderful and loving father, friend, and husband. I will forever cherish the memories I have with Robert. May he rest peacefully.
Joleen, Ian, Julius, Barbara, Lynn,
We were blessed with Robert for not enough years. You all shared great times growing up together, learning from each other, caring for each other, and holding love for one another. I am grateful to have known him and witnessed how Robert’s charisma for life positively affected those around him. I’ve recently heard of fond memories of him working at a camp as a teenager, sailing the waters of the Atlantic, and traveling with the young boys and Joleen to National Parks. And I know how deeply my best friend, Joleen, loves him. There is no love deeper than that. I hold close to my heart remembering how happy she was on their wedding day. Joleen told me about a time she and Robert got stranded at a hotel due to snow storms, and how it turned out to be such a memorable moment meeting other guests and celebrating with complete strangers. That was definitely one of Robert’s gifts, being able to spread that feeling of connectedness. May you all find peace in those memories. Much love, Chris
Robert was always such a fun guy to chat with. Our theology matched up well so as did our sense of humors. We actually became better friends after seminary and I will miss our talks greatly. Until we meet again my friend!
We met Rob when he joined our Country Club Plaza Office of Woods Bros Realty. We enjoyed varied conversations due to his wide spectrum of life experiences.
We will miss those conversations and Rob. We are sorry for your family’s loss and thank you for sharing him with us at “The Office”.
Beverly, Chris, and Dory Marsh
Rob was loved by everyone in
Winterbury Circle. Kind and funny.
He will always be one of the guys we grew up with. He will be missed!
I am so sorry to hear the news about Robert passing away. I worked with him at Camp Pecometh. I remember him being a young energetic teenager always smiling and happy about what he was doing. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time..
I was deeply saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. I remember him as a kind and easygoing person with a great sense of humor. We spent time together in choir, stage crew, and as lab partners in biology class, as well as just hanging out back in high school. Memories I’ll always hold fondly. One unexpected gift from reconnecting has been getting back in touch with others from that time in my life, which I truly appreciate. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Farewell Bart.
Jimmy D
All my love to Robert’s very loved family and friends. What a wonderful Pastor and friend. I’ll always remember the wonderful times we had with the youth of our church and all the gagaball tournaments and New Years lock ins. Always in my heart ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. It comes as a shock. I worked with Bob at Camp Pecometh. I have kept in touch for many years through Facebook
I had the pleasure of knowing Rob when he was discerning ministry as a calling during his days as an active member of St. Luke UMC in Omaha. Rob was filled with love, laughter, and deep care for those near him and those in need. It was a blessing to count him as a friend. My love and prayers are with his family. Scott Shreve
My sympathies to Robert’s family. Robert was insightful, compassionate, and always had beautiful stories of God’s love, grace, and mercy to share. Blessings to all remembering his life.
Robert & I had classes together, and we did services together.
I don’t know what to say, other than God needed a good man. RIP Bob. I’ll always remember our time spent together at Pecometh.
Please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Robert and I were colleagues in United Methodist ministry. He was articulate, brilliant, caring, creative and always very helpful and kind towards all people. My deepest sympathy and prayers for Joleen and his family! You are missed but always remembered! Grace and Peace!
Joleen – Sending prayers for strength and comfort for you and the boys. I know your void is immense and prayers that God may help you through this time. Margaret Brock
I am sad to hear that Robert has passed. I am thankful for his friendship, his humor, and his love for life. Robert and I attended seminary together in Kansas City and we attended continuing education classes together in Colorado Springs. My condolences to his family. I will miss his quick wit and warm smile.
I just learned that Robert passed. I knew him when I worked in Osceola at the Good Samaritan Center. He was so nice and so good with the residents there. I am so very, very sorry. He was a special person. Sending prayers to you all! – Patty