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Archive for: Past

Vicki Betz

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From Lincoln, Nebraska

Born on October 19, 1951.

Passed away on November 22, 2019.

Private service.



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.

Dr. James “Jim” Robert Alfano

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June 2, 1963 – November 21, 2019

James “Jim” Robert Alfano, 56, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and dog Cookie on November 21, 2019 after a long, private, and courageous fight with cancer. He was extremely thankful for all the support he received from family, friends, and his health care team. Born June 2, 1963, in Glendale CA to Joe and Dorothy Alfano, Jim spent his childhood years in Simi Valley, CA. He was the youngest of five siblings.  Jim was a Bessey Distinguished Professor in the Center for Plant Science Innovation and the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and served as the Director of UNL’s Undergraduate Microbiology Program. He loved being a Husker and spent many hours cheering on the volleyball and football teams.

Jim earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1993 at Washington State University, followed with postdoctoral training at Cornell University from 1993 to 1997. He was an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from 1997 to 2000 before joining the faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A giant in the field of molecular plant microbe interactions, Jim was passionate about his work but foremost enjoyed the interactions he had with many students, postdoctoral associates, colleagues and friends. He was charismatic, inspirational and a true leader. He is remembered by many as the big guy with a quick smile and infectious laugh. In recognition of his many contributions to science and research, Jim received numerous accolades including the American Phytopathological Society’s Syngenta Award (2005), named as a Charles Bessey Professor at UNL in 2010, a fellow in the American Phytopathological Society in 2011, and a fellow in both the American Association of Advancement of Science in 2012, and American Academy of Microbiology in 2015. While he was proud of his scientific achievements, Jim would be the first to say, that what he cherished above all was his daughter, Isabella Alfano, born in 2007, to Jim and his wife Karin van Dijk. Isabella (Izzy) was absolutely and completely adored by Jim. Fatherhood transformed Jim, personally and spiritually, where in this role, his top priority was to ensure Izzy believed in herself, as he believed in her.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Dorothy Alfano, and his father-in-law, Klaas van Dijk. He is survived by his wife Karin; daughter Isabella; siblings, Maryann (Kris), Victor (Cathy), Joe (Christy), and Joan; nephews and nieces Taylor, Joe, Jim, Allison, Keturah and Sasha; mother-in-law, Estelle van Dijk; sisters-in law Mariette and Miriam (John) and many friends.

A Celebration of Life was held at 2:00 p.m. on December 15, 2019 at the George W. Beadle Center on the UNL campus, Lincoln, NE. In lieu of flowers donations can be made “In honor of James R. Alfano” to the Center for Plant Science Innovation Fund (Acct # 01131020) University of Nebraska Foundation 1010 Lincoln Mall, Lincoln, NE 68508 or online at: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01131020/. Memories of Jim can be sent to jalfano1963@gmail.com and condolences may be posted using 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.

Peggy Marie Hansen

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Peggy Marie Hansen, 89, passed away on November 21, 2019 in Lincoln, NE. She was born October 4, 1930 in Kimball, NE.

Peggy is survived by her children, Sharon (Don) Helter, of Lincoln, Johnathan Hansen, of Lincoln, grandchildren, Tiffany (Jalal Houlim) Richards, of Austin, Texas, Rick Hansen, of Lincoln, Amy (John) Lysko, of Lincoln, great grandchildren, Salma Houlim, Jackson Lysko, and Emily Lysko.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Hansen, daughter, Phyllis Sabin, son, John Hansen, grandson, Jackie Sabin, and grandson, Max Richards.

Graveside service were held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, at Fairview Cemetery, 8400 Adams Street, Lincoln, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lincoln Parks & Rec Bowling League, with a note “In Memory of Peggy Hansen”. Send to Easter Day Recreation Center, 6130 Adams Street, Lincoln, NE 68507. Condolences may be posted using 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.

David Bengtson Downing

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October 31, 1929 – November 19, 2019

David Bengtson Downing, 90, passed peacefully Tuesday in memory care in Lincoln, surrounded by his kids. Practiced law in Superior, NE 1959-2014.

Downing was a trial lawyer.  He loved the courtroom and thrived in the adversarial climate.  He practiced civil and criminal law.  He defended clients as a court appointed attorney, including a few murder cases. He was a strong believer in the U.S. constitution, civil liberties, and the right to a fair trial.  He was paid whatever clients could afford, including in-kind payment of lawn mowing, baby-sitting, repairs, etc. He never gave less than his best to any client and judging from the remarks of those present at his retirement party, his best was among the best in the state.

Vicki Johnson, presiding district court judge, perhaps summed it up best when she noted that it was her fervent wish that every attorney who appeared before her exhibited the same decorum, dignity and knowledge of the law which Mr. Downing displayed when he was in the courtroom. Orville Coady, retired district court judge noted that under Downing’s dignified demeanor was a razor sharp mind and a steel sense of determination.

Downing was born in Lincoln but moved to Superior with his family in 1941.  His father Robert was an attorney who was chief counsel at the State banking office.  When a shift in political winds at the State level saw a change in administrations, he lost his position.  He was friendly with some Superior businessmen and listened to them when they suggested he relocate to the city to practice law.  He purchased the law practice of Frank Stubbs, who was retiring and hung out his figurative shingle.

David attended Superior High School and graduated with the Class of 1947.  He enrolled at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Met and fell head over heels for Nancy Louise Jensen of Fremont, who dropped out to put him through school. They married in 1951. Admitted to the UNL College of Law,  received his J.D. degree in 1953. He had been a member of the Reserve Officers Training Program at UNL and went on active duty with the United States Army.  He was commissioned as a second lieutenant.  He applied for and was accepted into the Judge Advocates General’s (JAG) corps.  Upon completion of his training at the University of Virginia, he was promoted to first lieutenant.  He served most of his time at the United States Army disciplinary barracks at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.  He represented individuals on the defense and served as a prosecutor.  Upon his separation from the army in 1956, Downing moved to Denver where he passed the Colorado bar exam and was admitted to practice.  In 1959 he joined his father Robert H. in practice in Superior and established the Downing & Downing law firm.

Downing was the only attorney to serve as president of all three major legal organizations in Nebraska:  Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys, 1973-74; Nebraska State Bar Association, 1987-88; and Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, 1993.  He was also an admiral in the Navy with the great State of Nebraska.  His one foray into seeking public office was unsuccessful when he was the democratic nominee for attorney general in 1964. Campaigning with incumbent democratic governor Frank Morrison on the coattails of LBJ, the last democrat to win the presidential vote in Nebraska, he was soundly defeated by the republican incumbent in 92 counties, but proudly won his home Nuckolls county.

He has served as a mentor and inspiration to generations of Nebraska attorneys.  He has been in partnership with Randall Alexander since 1981.  The Downing building is the former Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph building in Superior.

One of his proudest accomplishments did not take place in a court of law but rather in the fields near Broken Bow.  In 1971, then Governor JJ Exon invited Downing to be his guest at the Nebraska one box pheasant hunt.  The Nebraska team roster was full, but Exon, in a gesture of altruistic generosity, offered Downing to the Oklahoma team which was short a hunter.  Downing proceeded to lead the Oklahoma team to victory which earned him an honorary colonelcy in the Oklahoma Governor’s office.   Governor Exon quipped, “The Oklahoma victory was all arranged ahead of time for Oklahoma to win.  We even gave them a hunter par excellence in David Downing.  Hopefully, Oklahoma will be as kind to us when we see them on Thanksgiving Day.”  Of course, Nebraska went on to defeat Oklahoma in the game of the century the following week.
[Thanks to reporter Marty Pohlman and publisher Bill Blauvelt of The Superior Express for permission to borrow from their 2014 feature story.]

Preceded in death by wife Nancy (1929-1999)
Survivors: Children Dave Jr. (Candy), Brooke Downing (former husband John Lehman), Jeff (Diane), Lincoln; Tim (Pam), Yankton. Grandchildren Maggie Brokaw (Jeff), Bellevue; Kelsey Birchley (Karl) & great granddaughter Isla Mae; Spencer, Hudson & Gracie Downing, Lincoln; Knox Downing, Omaha; Hannah Carda (Tyler) & great grandson Beck, Yankton; Long-time companion and caregiver Roslyn Aden, Superior.

Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A Street. Memorials to family for later designation. Condolences may be left using 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.

Jeffery Alan Vachal

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Jeffery Alan Vachal – 49 was born on March 11, 1970 in Lincoln NE to Ron & Linda Vachal.  He attended Messiah Lutheran Elementary School, Lincoln Lutheran Jr High, and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1988.

He began his career as a mechanic when he was a toddler.  Tearing apart carburetors and “helping” all the other mechanics at the gas station on 48th & Pioneer, operated by his parents. His wealth of knowledge allowed him to become a fine mechanic and wrench on several vehicles including his friend’s sprint cars.  Which created many never-ending friendships that still exist today.  He had a love for NASCAR, drag racing, and especially sprint cars.

Jeff’s truck driving profession included; Pegler’s, Frontier CO-OP, Whitehead Oil Company, Truck It Trucking, and Distribution Inc.

Jeff became a very proud father to Corbin on October 2, 1990 and again to Riley on June 4, 2008.

Jeff fought a very courageous battle with cancer for the last year and a half.  He passed away peacefully on November 13, 2019 at home surrounded by family and friends.

Survivors:  parents; Linda Vachal and Ron Vachal, children; Corbin and Riley, brother; Brad nephews; Carson and Landon, and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration gathering with food and drinks will be held on January 17, 2020 at Sesostris Shrine 1050 Saltillo Rd, Roca NE starting @ 5:00 pm.  Memorials may be given to family for future designation.  For condolences 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.