Donald G. “Gary” Kathol

Donald G. “Gary” Kathol

April 12, 1942 – May 8, 2021

Donald G. “Gary” Kathol passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 8, 2021 at the age of 79.  He displayed extreme courage and perseverance while battling serious medical issues in recent years.

Gary was born in Hartington, Nebraska to Donald Leo and Grace Mary (McCloud) Kathol.  They later moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Gary attended and graduated from Creighton Prep in 1960.  He began his career at Lamp Rynearson in 1961 and in 1962 attended Omaha University where he later graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1969.  During his career at Lamp Rynearson, Gary worked as a survey crew member, draftsman, designer, Engineering Planning Head, Vice President, and Executive Vice President.  He served as President of Lamp Rynearson from 1981 to 1997 and as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 2001.  Gary served as Chairman Emeritus until his retirement in 2007.

At age 11, Gary began working as a caddy at the Omaha Country Club (OCC) under caddy master Kevin O’Connor.  At that time he set a long-range plan to someday become an OCC member which he accomplished in 1979.  In 1983, he served on the Board of Directors and as Club President from 1988-1989.

Gary served on many boards and committees among which included, the Nebraska President of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and Chairman of the ACEC National Public Relations Committee.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau and the South-Southwest YMCA.  Gary was a member of the Boys Town Boosters and served on the Douglas County Planning Commission.  He received numerous awards and accolades throughout his professional career, including the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers Young Engineer of the Year award in 1975 and the Engineer of the Year award in 2002.

Gary enjoyed hosting large gatherings with family and friends.  You would often find him standing next to his Weber grill while telling a good story in great detail or describing a previous adventure to his guests.  He was a man of tradition and found great joy and pride in gathering with his large family.  He also enjoyed skiing, golfing, traveling, fishing, stamp collecting, and a good glass of wine while relaxing outside.

Gary was proceeded in death by his parents, Donald and Grace Mary Kathol.  He is survived by his wife, Judith, of 45 years; sons: Steve (Michaella), Randy (Trish), Andy (Jenn); daughters: Christine Schlagenhauff, Carlene Bahun (Steve), Alison Jones (Harlan), Anna Stumpf (Bruno); grandchildren: Nicole Williams, Tyler, Collyn, and Evan Schlagenhauff, Lauren, Jesse, and Kaylee Bahun, Kalyn, Michael, Hannah, and Jenna Kathol, Madison, Kelsey, and Rachel Kathol, Trevor, Ryan, and Jessica Jones; Dylan Murphy, Jace Kathol; Julian and Nolan Stumpf; great-grandchildren: Isabella, Stephen, Charlie, Lamonte, Coen, Aubrie, Harper, Claire; brothers: Gene (Patti), Tim, Bob (Linda); many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES.  CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at the Omaha Country Club on Sunday, June 6^th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kevin O’Connor Caddy Scholarship Fund (OCC), Creighton Prep, Boys Town, Salvation Army (Omaha branch) or South-Southwest YMCA.