Paul Semrad

Paul Semrad

7/25/1950 – 4/4/2020

Retired Omaha Public Schools Administrator and Basketball Coach for Central High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Irene; brother, Pat; father-in-law, Edward Kontos

He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters, Kerri Murtaugh (Ryan), Cindi Brown (Mark) ; grandchildren: Tyler, Brock, Rease, Zach, Nick and Blake; sisters: Kathy Codr (Larry), Nancy Hoops (Bob), Barb Bagley (Dennis); mother-in-law, Norma Kontos; sister-in-law, Jane Presuhn (Randy); brother-in-law, Ken Kontos (Elaine); nieces and nephews

Controlled visitation following CDC guidelines Tuesday, April 7, 2020, from 4-7PM at West Center Chapel with online livestream viewing available at www.heafeyheafey.com
Funeral Mass following CDC guidelines Wednesday, April 8, 2020, 10AM St. Gerald Catholic Church with online livestream viewing available at www.stgerald.org
Interment: Resurrection
Memorials are suggested to Central High School Foundation or St. Gerald Catholic Church

Link to view visitation: https://boxcast.tv/view/paul-semrad—visitation-341502

38 Comments

  • Sally Petermann (Hess) Posted April 5, 2020 5:59 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Semrad was one of those amazing human beings that the world truly benefits from having. He helped me so much during some of the toughest times in my life. He had such an amazing heart and true care and compassion for students he knew. I will truly miss him! ❤

  • Sarah Stohs Gilmore Posted April 5, 2020 6:29 pm

    I was so saddened to hear of Coach Semrad’s passing…he was not only an awesome basketball coach, who led us to 2 back-to-back state championships with undefeated seasons in 1983 and 1984 – but he was a great role model and human!! Godspeed Mr. Semrad!!!

  • Joanne and Tony Dusatko Posted April 5, 2020 8:19 pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. God Speed PAUL Semrad….

  • Gail Hansen Posted April 6, 2020 7:25 am

    Jean,
    I am so sorry to hear about Paul. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Susie Zimola Damewood Posted April 6, 2020 10:47 am

    So sorry for your loss. Rode the bus with him to Neumann. My daughter went to Central when he was there and I knew he would look after her.. What a great guy.. Thoughts & prayers. Susie Zimola.

  • Steve and Randi Nelson Posted April 6, 2020 10:58 am

    We have had the privilege to know Paul both professionally and as a friend. Our hearts go out to Jeanie and the family. May your faith sustain you.. May our prayers be with you. Take care and God bless.

  • Rick and Connie Behrens Behrens Posted April 6, 2020 11:28 am

    We are so sorry to learn the news about Paul. I got to work with Paul for a number of years at Central High School, first in the social studies department and then when he became an administrator. I appreciated how as an administrator Paul insisted that the students take responsibility and adapt their behaviors to the standards of Omaha Central High School. Our thoughts to go Jean, Kerri, Cindi, and their families. We know he will be missed.

    Rick and Connie Behrens

  • Martina (Petersen) Foell Posted April 6, 2020 12:20 pm

    I was saddened to hear this news. While I was never an athlete, I was lucky enough to have had Mr. Semrad for Social Studies/History classes two out of my three years at Central. I was also his student aide during my senior year at CHS. Mr. Semrad was simply the best of the best. He instilled in me a love for all things history and inspired me with his work ethic and the interest he showed in his students, athletes or not. What a man.

  • Ralph E Sabatka Posted April 6, 2020 1:36 pm

    My sincerest sympathies to Jean and Paul’s family.

  • Lois Koehn Posted April 6, 2020 5:03 pm

    I was his secretary for 15 years before he retired. He had a fantastic sense of humor. We was a wonderful human being. Prayers to family at this time. Many memories that will live on forever. You are loved and will be missed.

  • Angie Kardell Posted April 6, 2020 5:35 pm

    Paul was like a second dad to my sister, Chris, and me. Many of my earliest childhood memories involve fun times with Paul, Jean, Kerr & Cindi. I remember lots of good times at their house, and especially Paul’s one of a kind infectious laugh! It had a bit of a mischievous tone to it! I am blessed to have had these times growing up with the Semrads and will always consider myself lucky to have had Paul to look up to. Love, Angie Kardell

  • Carole Fitzgibbon Posted April 6, 2020 8:41 pm

    My heart is breaking for you and your family Jean. Please know that I am with you in spirit and you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love you friend.

  • Keith Bigsby Posted April 6, 2020 8:50 pm

    Sadness for me and EAGLE Nation! Paul was an amazing man and father as well as a great teacher, coach, and administrator. I learned a lot from Mr. Semrad about Central High School and Central High School expectations –his lessons served me very well—thank you Paul! My condolences and prayers to Jean, Cindy, and Kerri and the rest of the family, God bless,

  • Clyde R. Lincoln Posted April 6, 2020 10:25 pm

    I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. We were colleagues in the Social Studies Department at Central for many years. We taught World History and American Government in the Honors program. He was also a truly fine and fair administrator. I will miss him. God bless him and his family. My prayers are with you.

  • Stan Hale Posted April 7, 2020 7:16 am

    My condolences to the family of Paul Semrad. He was an outstanding coach, administrator and family man. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
    Stan Hale, Vice Principal, Millard South, Retired.

  • Pam Knox (Rezek) Posted April 7, 2020 8:12 am

    Hugs and prayers for your family. Love hearing all the tributes to Paul as a teacher, coach and
    administrator! He truly left his mark on many lives. Will be streaming the service on Wednesday and
    sending long distance hugs your way in this difficult time .

  • Michael Timmins Posted April 7, 2020 9:17 am

    My deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family of Coach Semrad. Coach Semrad was a key and important mentor in my life as a Central baseball coach in 1975-1977. He was only 9 years older than his players at 25-26 years old and we admired his athletic ability, joy for the game, and patience to teach. He could still play and was better than all of us. He enjoyed fielding ground balls and taking his turn at batting practice. He was a humble and caring leader and I looked up to him. He was the perfect role model for a young teen aspiring to become a man. God bless you Coach and may you forever rest in His light.

  • Staci Burnham Cutcher Posted April 7, 2020 9:26 am

    jean, Kerri and Cindi… I am sorry for your loss. I was very saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I remember him fondly as my softball coach and a Roxberry neighbor. He will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all in this trying time. Sending you all prayers!

  • Elaine Flaxbeard Posted April 7, 2020 10:26 am

    Heaven gained a gem! Mr. Semrad was a wonderful teacher and role model. He was one reason I went into teaching (and had the privilege of teaching his daughter). Students learned so much in his class… content and beyond. Prayers for his family.

  • Cathy Bartunek Posted April 7, 2020 11:43 am

    Jean and family, so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can fill your emptiness just know your in our prayers and heartfelt condolences. God’s Blessings and comfort. Cathy and Frank Bartunek

  • Amy and Troy Kaup Posted April 7, 2020 3:12 pm

    Kerri, Jean and Cindi,
    Troy and I are so sorry for you loss. We were able to attend through the virtual service. I remember how funny your Dad always was when we had sleepovers or just hanging out at your house. Kerri you are a fantastic reflection of your Dad’s educator’s heart! We know you will see him again, happy, healthy & strong and are glad he is in a better place. Love- Amy and Troy Kaup

  • Julie Hoogestraat Posted April 7, 2020 3:21 pm

    Cindi, Kerri and the rest of your beautiful family — heartfelt condolences go out to you all in this difficult time. He lived a wonderful life and cherished his family greatly. He served our school district with such loyalty and care. When Cindi and Kerri coached my daughter at Central, he never missed a game. Partly because he was the Athletic Director, but we all knew the biggest reason was his pride in his two daughters. Sending you prayers for strength and solace. Love – Julie Hoogestraat

  • Ed Bennett Posted April 7, 2020 4:12 pm

    My deepest sympathies to Paul’s family. He was incredibly generous with his time and guidance when I first arrived at Central. He wore many hats at Central over the years and cared so deeply for the kids and staff members he served. He modeled excellence and set a high standard for those who followed him. He lives on in those of us fortunate enough to have grown from his knowledge and wisdom and will be greatly missed. Ed Bennett, Central High Principal

  • John Graham and Nancy Posted April 7, 2020 4:33 pm

    Jean, Cindi and Kerri … John and I were so sorry to hear of Pauls passing. He was a humorous and kind neighbor and we enjoyed both Paul and jeans company. I’m glad to know he’s with the Lord in Paradise and not here in pain and suffering. God Bless your entire family and give you peace. Sympathies, John and Nancy Graham

  • Nick Jarzynka Posted April 7, 2020 6:47 pm

    Thoughts and prayers for Paul and his family. Paul worked as a field supervisor for student teachers late in his career. I am a veteran teacher and have student teachers in my classroom. Paul would come in to observe and provide advice for the student teachers. He was phenomenal!!!! I learned as much as the student teachers did! I always looked forward to the days that he would come in. He was an incredible role model that touched a lot of lives.

  • Sherry Fitch Posted April 7, 2020 6:59 pm

    Lloyd and I were so surprised to hear about Paul. We are so sorry for you and your family. Please know that our prayers and the girl’s’ are with all of you.

  • Gail Granger Posted April 8, 2020 7:18 am

    My deepest condolences for the loss of a great guy. Working at CHS and having Paul as a friend was a gift. As a 12 month employee I had the joy of many conversations and lunches during the summer. Take care Semrad family and prayers for you all.

  • Carol Miyoshi Posted April 8, 2020 9:23 am

    My sincere sympathies to Jean and family. Paul was part of a huge family of friends, colleagues and classmates. We have lost such an important person who touched many lives. It is great to hear of everyone’s memories of Paul. He will always remain a part of all of our lives.
    In a time when hugs are so important, we are left with just sending our prayers and healing thoughts.

    Sincerely,
    Carol (Bartek) Miyoshi

  • Cathie Adams (Sloup) Posted April 8, 2020 9:27 am

    Jean, Cindi and Kerri and family. Paul is a distance cousin but I always thought of him as one gentle soul. I heard great things about him from friends and parents during his time at central. Jean you were always so kind to mom (Marcie) when you ran into her. She always loved sharing with me that she saw you. May you find great comfort in all the memories you and Paul and your family have made. Watching the beautiful service and music. Cathie

  • Barb (Shnahan) Cockerill Posted April 8, 2020 9:35 am

    So sorry to hear about Paul’s passing! Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Paul was such an awesome teacher, coach, and family man. You were both so lucky to stay together for so many years! I still remember you two in high school!! I have a good picture of Paul at our 50th class reunion. If you send me your email, or phone #, I’ll send it to you. Hugs for peace!

  • Gina Felici Pearson Posted April 8, 2020 9:38 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a great and very special coach, teacher and administrator. He was my sister’s (Chris Felici) basketball coach and she really enjoyed playing for him. May Paul Rest In Peace. God Bless you all.

  • Dan Sitzman Posted April 8, 2020 9:40 am

    I had the good fortune to know Paul as my teacher, then later interacting with him as he supervised student teachers, and hearing stories while working with Cindi. As a sports-focused student in his World History class during the run of Central’s girls’ basketball success, I remember a classmate asking him about his coaching success. His reply surprised me at the time, but made resonated with me when I was in the same situation with two young daughters 17 years later: teaching and family are more important than a coach winning championships.

  • Wendy Badders Posted April 8, 2020 9:56 am

    Cind, Kerri, and family

    It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love. When we lost my mom, I took comfort in knowing that she wasn’t in pain anymore. As selfish as my want to have her with me still, the comfort of knowing she wasn’t suffering anymore helped ease my pain. As the days pass, lean on each other. Share your memories and remember to laugh at the joyful ones. He may be gone in body, but his spirit, his legacy, and his love will always be with you. I am sending love and prayers to you…

  • Edward Waples Posted April 8, 2020 1:19 pm

    Paul was everything a man should be.
    Writ large.
    Everyone he touched — with his warmth, his humor, his generosity, his introspection and awareness, his humanistic values and humanity, his quiet wisdom, his dedication to excellence, his work ethic, his loving nature — was, is, the better for knowing him.

  • Dave and Jody LaMontagne Posted April 8, 2020 6:11 pm

    Jean, Kerri, Cindi and family,
    So sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful man. Our softball summers together gave us many great memories and happy family times.

  • Bonnie McDowall Posted April 9, 2020 8:07 pm

    Jean, I am so sorry for you and your family. I was just thinking of Paul last week. If there is anything I can do to help let me know. I will miss him he was always there to help when I called.
    Love You and I pray for you.

  • Jamar Dorsey Sr. Posted April 11, 2020 10:02 am

    Mr. Semrad, what an awesome person. Our family was blessed to have multiple generations have the honor of engaging with Mr. Semrad as a teacher, coach ,and administrator. When we think about Omaha Central HS, Mr. Semrad is forever engraved in that legacy. God Bless to his family!

  • Tia Robinson Posted May 26, 2022 6:01 pm

    Mr. Semrad literally just crossed my mind and so I googled to see if I could find any details on him. I am so saddened to see that he passed. He was an amazing administrator while I was a student at Central High school. I would go into his office and talk about things and he was always very comforting and understanding about my minimal High School issues! What a great man and I know that Heaven opened the gates to receive an angel. God bless his family…what an an amazing legacy he left behind.

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