Edward W. Lueninghoener

Edward W. Lueninghoener

December 13, 1945 – January 19, 2024

Edward Lueninghoener, aged 78, passed away on January 19, 2024.  Ed was born on December 13, 1945, in Norfolk, Nebraska, and grew up on his family’s farm near Pilger, Nebraska along with his sister and two brothers. Ed completed his Bachelor’s degree at Creighton University and his Master’s degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha, studying Biology for both. It was in Omaha that he met his wife, Phyllis Ryan, when she picked him up off the floor of the Golden Buda Lounge.

Ed and Phyllis were married on January 6, 1973, at St. John’s on the Creighton campus. “Edder” and “PL”, as they liked to call each other, moved to Macon, Georgia in 1974, where Ed worked at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Later, Ed worked at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center in Jackson, Michigan. They finally found their way back to Omaha in late 1979, where Ed spent more than 30 years working at Offutt Air Force Base and retired in 2011 as the Deputy Director, 55th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He shared his love of nature and the environment as Chief Ranger at Fontenelle Forest while in college and by later serving on its board of directors, and by teaching environmental law at UNO. When his kids were young, he also served as a Boy Scout leader and a little league baseball coach.

In his retirement, Ed picked up bicycling and was a frequent rider on the Thursday night Wabash Trace Taco Ride. He enjoyed his yearly spring break trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, where he and Phyllis would spend a week together in one of their favorite places. During the rest of the year, Ed was an avid woodworker, house restorer, and tinkerer, building anything that struck his fancy.

Ed is survived by his children: Ryan (Alisha), Cory (Lisabeth), Quentin (Elizabeth), and Kelcey (Alicia); his grandchildren: Madeline, Emily, Timothy, and Sullivan; his siblings: Joan Johnson, Robert Lueninghoener, and Dr. Peter Lueninghoener; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; infant son, William; and parents Donald and Helen.

Visitation: Thursday, January 25th, from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (6116 Dodge Street) with a Vigil Service at 7:00PM. 

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, January 26th, 10:30AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

Interment: Holy Sepulchre

Donations in Ed’s memory can be made to Bethlehem House in Omaha, Nebraska.

9 Comments

  • Don and Sharyl Jump Posted January 23, 2024 1:20 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends….
    As Dr Seuss said…. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

  • Loren &Pat Burris Posted January 24, 2024 12:17 pm

    Our deepest sympathy a life long friend and many memories

  • Mike & Linda Taege Posted January 24, 2024 7:42 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Ed. Joannie, I will always remember Ed as being quick of wit. Gods blessing to the family. mike

  • Tom and Lola Brockman Posted January 25, 2024 9:51 am

    Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Lots of wonderful memories.

  • Ned D Holmes Posted January 25, 2024 11:24 am

    I joined Ed and another close friend for the last half dozen years for lunch monthly (Fernado’s). Ed of course shared about his family and his enduring love for them. We learned a lot about his courage and sacrifice as an Army Lt. He was a decorated combat soldier and team leader during the war in Vietnam. He had a very informed opinion about most of the topics of the day, because he was very well read, and had personal experience. Ed loved the family legacy of hunting and always thinking about the next outing. We enjoyed the bicycling hobby. I first met Ed while at Offutt AFB on community business and our paths crossed in his role as a senior official in base civil engineering. Ed not only had the historical background on base projects but was involved heavily in the Air Weather HQ construction, runway improvements, the Forensics lab on MIA/DIA, and the new 1.5 billion USSTRATCOM building. Now he is resting in the arms of Jesus, Ed will be missed, he will be remembered. Ned D Holmes

  • Christina Aguirre Posted January 25, 2024 6:59 pm

    I send my love and condolences to you all! I had the honor and the privilege of being Ed’s caregiver for almost a year. I was blessed to have a client who was courteous, easily to love, respectful, but MY most favorite was his amazing sense of humor and personality. Not only was I his caregiver, but we were Truly close friends. Our bond was super special and unique. The place we enjoyed the most and where I believe we both grew in getting to know each other more; Where we would sit when I’d take him on a walks. we would sit in silence most times we would talk, listen to music like one of his favorites Simon and Garfunkel. Ed absolutely loved soaking up the sun, feeling the wind and watching everything around us. Trees, people on the trail, ducks in the creek or river etc…..I would like to say that being part of his life and family has been such an inspiration and blessing to my life. I will always cherish and hold you dearly in my heart. THUNDERBUDDIES FOR LIFE! love you buddy!

  • Blake & Brooke Youngman Posted January 25, 2024 10:32 pm

    Ryan & Alisha,
    We are thinking of you during this difficult time. We are so sorry to hear of Ed’ passing. You’re in our hearts and prayers. We’ll be sending over some food soon!

  • Terry and Gloria Spence Posted January 26, 2024 10:24 am

    Dear Family,

    We are very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I went to District 13 rural school with Ed and played high school football against him when I was at Stanton and he was at Pilger. He is now at peace with Jesus. May the Lord rest his soul.

    Terry and Gloria Spence

  • Lyle & Cheryl Husmann Posted January 30, 2024 9:36 am

    Ed will be missed. We haven’t been able to interact as you know but he and all of his family have been in out thoughts and prayers throughout his journey. Always enjoyed being around Ed. Enjoyed when he and his friends would stop when in the area hunting. Once again, we extend our sincere Sympathy and Prayers for the family. We don’t have addresses of those of you in Omaha and other areas. Lyle no longer feels comfortable driving out of our local but we shared in your loss and the service telecast. God’s Blessings, Lyle & Cheryl

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