Lt. Col. Robert Lewis Elsasser, USAF (Ret.)
June 8, 1937 – July 29, 2023
Lt. Col. Robert Lewis Elsasser, USAF (retired), age 86, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Elsasser; his mother, Gladys Elsasser; and his sister, Carole Elsasser. Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years, Inez Miller Elsasser; his sister, Sally Petersen and brother-in-law, Eldon Petersen, (Colleyville, TX); his daughter, Deborah Elsasser, (Las Vegas, NV); his son Robert Elsasser, Jr., (Jessica); daughter Linda Poole, (Doug); 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was an officer in the United States Air Force for more than twenty years and served in Vietnam. After retirement from the Air Force, he spent more than 20 years as an Omaha realtor. He was a graduate of Omaha South High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Robert was a long-time member of Omaha Westside Lions Club. He was also a lifetime member of the Millard American Legion Post 374.
In his free time, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Robert and Inez enjoyed traveling around the world with his sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Eldon; cruising was their favorite.
Please join us at Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler’s West Center Chapel for Robert’s visitation and funeral. VISITATION: Tuesday, August 1st, from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. SERVICE: Wednesday, August 2nd at 10:30am at the West Center Chapel. INTERMENT: Immediately following at Westlawn Hillcrest Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the mortuary following the burial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Omaha Westside Lions Club.
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
15 Comments
Bob will be missed by many. What great memories we all have
To say the least. – any man who is rewarded with a 64 years of marriage has my vote – that is a lifetime of the best there is – with all of my love and support Cliff
I am deeply sorry for the loss of what seemed like a wonderful man. I was never able to see Col. Elsasser much, and what I did see of him was near the end of his days. But that was all it took to know that he was a good man who was loved deeply by those around him. Just seeing the way the Elsasser family talked about and treated this man made it known to me just how special he really was. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral and I extend my deepest condolences.
the best grandpa i could ever have! me
and my grandfather have always had a special bond being his only grandson and i will forever carry on the elsasser name for him, thank you for everything grandpa love you
Inez and family,
Mark and I are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was the most engaging person, conversations with him were the best! He always had so much to say, had stories to tell, and knowledge to impart. He held strong opinions and values that I always admired. I’ve missed our conversations, we always shared some good laughs too. He was a wonderful man, I am grateful to have known him.
Inez, I’m saddened to find out that Bob has passed. You and your entire family are in my prayers. God blessed you, your children and grandchildren with a man of strong values and caring love.
Memories of laughter and quality time spent with Bob and Inez and Herman and Ruth. My love and sympathy to you, Inez
Inez and Family,
The family that has been in my life since I was a little girl. The family that made sure I felt at home when I wasn’t at my own. The family that had so much love when I needed it the most. My condolences are with you as grandpa Bob has passed. He was a one of a kind man, and I am so honored to have the memeories I did with him and the family. He will be looking down on all of us and reminding us that he has found home. With so much love, Hannah ❤️
“Dee” and I were so, so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We grew up with Bob through High School, and I was elated to be his TKE fraternity brother. Bob was one of the kindest, most trustworthy men we have ever known. When God made Bob, he threw away the mold. We love you both dearly and we will certainly miss the times that we spent with you.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of LTC Elsasser. I was lucky enough to have met him numerous times and each time I was amazed by the man he was. His pride for his country and his family was extremely admirable. I would like to extend my deepest condolences and my heart goes out to the Elsasser family. He will be deeply missed.
Inez,
My heart is with you and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. Being able to know Robert Sr, and seeing the love you shared with each other, your children, and grandchildren has been so wonderful to witness. There’s a whole lot of love in the Elsasser Family, and all that love is a direct result of the love you shared with Robert Sr. He will be so greatly missed.
Inez,
My heart is with you and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. Being able to know Robert Sr, and seeing the love you shared with each other, your children, and grandchildren has been so wonderful to witness. There’s a whole lot of love in the Elsasser Family, and all that love is a direct result of the love you share with Robert Sr. He will be so greatly missed.
Inez and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I met you and Bob at Eielson: 1970-73.
My sincere condolences to Bob’s family. I first met Bob when we joined Faith Christian Church about 1982 or 3. He was a kind caring man and when I learned he was a realtor he assisted me with three different homes over a few years until he retired. My dad was a realtor also in Sioux Falls and I appreciated Bob as he was a lot like my dad in that he cared about his clients, was honest and made sure we were well taken care of, Bob was one of the most honorable men I ever met. One of the things that will help me always remember Bob is that with the purchase of our 2nd home he gave us a homemade quilt. He knew of a woman in southwest Iowa that would hand make these. It reminded me of the quilts my grandmother used to have. I later asked if I could purchase a couple of more and I think that over a period of time we ended up with 6-8 that we still use today. Thank you Bob for all of the lives you touched..
Inez, I just today read about the passing of Bob. I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family and pray for you all. It’s been about 50 years since we were at Eielson AFB in Alaska, but I will always remember you and your husband. Words are never enough but please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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