Clarence Lloyd Castner, Sr.

Clarence Lloyd Castner, Sr.

September 26, 1935 – August 31, 2024

VISITATION: Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, September 6th at 10:30am at Dundee Presbyterian Church, 5312 Underwood.  Graveside Service: Friday, September 6th at 4pm at Maple Cemetery in Salem, Nebraska.  Memorials may be directed to Federated Church, Columbus, NE, or the Columbus Public School Foundation.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

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Clarence “Lloyd” Castner, 88, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife by his side.

Born on September 26, 1935, in Auburn, NE, to Clarence and Dorothy Zedah Hall Castner, Lloyd embraced the values of family, work, community, and service from a young age. After moving to Ashland, NE, as a second grader, he quickly immersed himself in school and local activities. At just 12 years old, Lloyd worked as a milk runner for a local delivery service, spending his Saturdays and summers delivering orders door to door. Earning 50 cents a day and enjoying all the milk he could drink, Lloyd saved enough to purchase his first bicycle. 

During his senior year of high school, Lloyd’s family moved to Sidney, NE, where he forged lifelong relationships, remaining close with both Ashland and Sidney friends. He chose to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Lloyd graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1957, actively participating in Delta Upsilon Fraternity, the Varsity Glee Club, University Singers, and serving as the student manager of the Nebraska Men’s basketball team. 

Lloyd met Kay Whitney, a Nebraska Wesleyan University student, on a blind date. Their first date was at the Omaha’s Civic Auditorium auto show featuring the McGuire Sisters. Engaged in December 1957, Lloyd and Kay married in May 1958, in Dawson, NE.

Lloyd began his career in Eugene, OR, as Assistant City Manager from January 1958 to 1965. He then served as City Manager in Ontario, OR (1965-1971), City Administrator in Bellevue, NE (1971-1976), and Columbus, NE (1976-1987). He continued his career as Manager of Marketing for Nebraska Power District (1987-1998) and as a consultant with Kirkham Michael in Omaha, NE (1998-2009). 

Throughout his life, Lloyd’s greatest love was his family. Kay was his partner in everything they experienced and accomplished together. Their children – Ralph, Clarey, and Anna – were his pride and joy. Lloyd and Kay were blessed with seven beloved grandchildren.

Professionally, his family’s support allowed him to find immense satisfaction in city administration, arguably his second love. The communities in which he served and lived,  left an indelible impact on his life. Although leaving each adopted home was difficult, serving with the utmost integrity and working tirelessly to leave communities in better shape than when he arrived was an honor of a lifetime.

In retirement, Lloyd enjoyed Husker Men’s Basketball, participating in Passport Nebraska, playing bridge, working on family genealogy, and attending class and family reunions. He was his grandchildren’s most avid supporter at their sporting events. 

The sense of purpose Lloyd felt was just as important to him as the impact he had on each community served. Being honored with Castner’s Crossing, Nebraska Diplomat of the Year, Nebraskaland Foundation Trailblazer Award, Nebraska Basketball Hall of Fame Special Merit Award, Nebraska 125 Anniversary Commission, Lloyd never took full credit for his accomplishments. He knew it was always a team effort.

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Kay, of Omaha (formerly of Columbus); children: Ralph Castner of Lincoln, Nebraska, Clarence L. Castner, Jr., (Estee Levy) of New York, and Anna (Jack) Castner Wightman of Omaha; grandsons Luke (Chelsea) Castner; and Nicholas (Emmy Jo) Castner of New York City, NY; William (Max) Grove of Queens, NY; Samuel Castner and Cole Castner of Lincoln; granddaughters, Emalie Wightman and Margaret Wightman of Omaha; great-granddaughter, Wesley Castner; great-grandson, Walker Castner,  Kim Castner and Ann Castner.  Lloyd also valued his relationships with his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Dorothy Castner; brother Jean Robert “JR” Castner; and sisters Margaret “Peggy” Goodfellow Klein and Rose Mary Geisert.

Services will be held on Friday, September 6 at 10:30am at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha. The burial will be held at 4pm at Maple Cemetery, Salem, NE. Memorials may be directed to Federated Church, Columbus, NE, or the Columbus Public School Foundation.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Marney Gass, Felicia Gant, Aksarben Retirement Village and Physicians Choice for their support and care.

 

22 Comments

  • Phyllis James Posted September 1, 2024 11:13 am

    I worked for Mr Castner when he was the city administrator at the city of Bellevue. He was one of the smartest and greatest managers I ever worked for . Nothing but respect for him. My prayers for his wonderful family.

  • Sandra Switzer Posted September 1, 2024 8:45 pm

    Please know my heart is heavy for you as you mourn this loss. May Lloyd’s memory be a blessing to you as is presence was in life. He lives on in all of you — what an amazing legacy.

  • Jerry Engdahl Posted September 1, 2024 9:39 pm

    Our prayers for Lloyd’s family. He will be remembered as one of the nicest people we have had the pleasure of knowing and a great citizen of Columbus.

  • JP Schmeits Posted September 2, 2024 8:06 am

    Sincerest condolences to the family.
    I knew Lloyd through several community organizations, especially the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Commodores, via weekly visits to Columbus businesses. He seldom missed those Thursday morning coffees to welcome new chamber business members or congratulate others for various accomplishments. I was honored to know him.

  • Patricia. Proctor Posted September 2, 2024 8:16 am

    My condolenscenses to the family. He and Kay were good friends of Jerry and I. We go back a long way. We graduated school together and he was one of the most likeable individuals I have ever known.

  • Chris Anderson Posted September 2, 2024 12:55 pm

    Lloyd is a legendary figure in the city management profession. He has been a great friend and mentor to so many of us, advising and assisting us during critical junctions in our careers. He was always anxious to help any of us. Many city managers have reached new heights by standing on his shoulders. Thank you Lloyd!

  • Rev. Don Wilson Posted September 2, 2024 3:05 pm

    My wife Joy and I are saddened to learn of Lloyd’s death. He and Kay were among the very active members of Federated Church during the 10 years we served there. We have many wonderful memories of both Lloyd and Kay and their family. Our hearts go out to each and all of you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Don & Joy

  • Ginny and Joe Bullis Posted September 2, 2024 6:05 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers to all the Castner Family. He was an amazing man.

  • Barry L Kennedy Posted September 3, 2024 8:20 pm

    Lloyd was a joy to work with. Always professional, always positive and totally committed to the growth and success of Nebraska’s business community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay and the entire Castner family.
    Barry and Diane Kennedy

  • Shirley Loseke Posted September 4, 2024 9:46 am

    Kay and family, Kay, I have many fond memories of times spent together. My condolences to you and your family.

  • Mary Simmons Posted September 5, 2024 8:33 am

    Lloyd was always conscious and dedicated to the mission in front of him. He set an example for many economic developers. With many thoughts and deep sympathy. Mary Simmons

  • John L. Adler Posted September 5, 2024 9:55 am

    Prayers for Kay and all of Lloyd’s family members for the loss they have to face. I worked with Lloyd at Kirkham Michael and while he was at Bellevue.

  • Nila & John Novotny Posted September 5, 2024 11:52 am

    We have missed the Castners since they moved from Columbus a few years ago. Lloyd and Kay were kind and generous members of our Federated Church family. Our most sincere condolences to the entire Castner family.

  • Kathy Senior Posted September 5, 2024 3:06 pm

    Lloyd was an integral part of the Columbus community. Kay, you and your family have my sincere condolences.

  • Roger Christianson Posted September 5, 2024 3:27 pm

    Lloyd was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word: a man of integrity, accomplishments and humility. It was my privilege to have known him and worked with him on economic development efforts in Nebraska. He made Columbus and Nebraska a better place. He was well regarded and respected across the State. My personal best to Kay and the family in this difficult time.

  • Amy Shaw Posted September 5, 2024 3:53 pm

    It has been a pleasure to get to know Lloyd and Kay, and their amazing family while at Aksarben Village Senior Living. The table will certainly look different without him there, but Kay will still keep a bright spot in my day. The Castner Crew have been a blessing to me. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Hugs.

  • Bob Castner Posted September 5, 2024 8:09 pm

    To my favorite Uncle Lloyd, thank you for being a glowing figure in my life. You were always there to offer encouraging words & laughter to brighten me up. I’ll be there in spirit,Celebrating your wonderful life ❤️

  • Jeanne Krenk/Pr, Recorder/Naphis Temple No. 66 Posted September 6, 2024 10:55 am

    Kay: Naphis Temple No. 66/Daughters of the Nile wishes to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  • Karen Senften Posted September 7, 2024 7:31 am

    I am so glad to have had known Lloyd and his wonderful family. We miss them all in Columbus. I sincerely send them all my condolences.

  • Jeanne Olson Johnson Posted September 9, 2024 7:53 pm

    I am sadden to read about Lloyd but what a wonderful life he had. You all should have memories of a life time that will be with you forever. My thoughts are with you.

  • Kevin and Charlotte Endorf Posted September 20, 2024 11:28 am

    Worked much with Lloyd on keeping Orphan Train history alive. He was thrilled to add his family Orphan Train story to one of my books. He saw that a part of the Madison Museum had this history. When Eloise Thompsen died (our mentor and friend), he saw that all of her typewritten information was added to the Nebraska Historical Society. He was such a good friend and a pleasure to work with.

    Kevin and Charlotte Endorf

  • Bernie and Mary Anne Fleischacker Posted November 11, 2024 9:19 pm

    Kay, Ralph, Clarey, Anna and families, Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of Lloyd, He was truly a fine man and a wonderful citizen. He never turned down an invitation to speak to a Civics class on the topic of local government. We enjoyed visiting with him over the years. May your memories of him warm your hearts in the days and years to come.

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