Robert L. “Bob” Whitehouse
August 17, 1944 – January 22, 2022
Age 77. Preceded in death by parents, Bob and Dot Whitehouse; brother, Ed Whitehouse. Survived by wife, Kim; children: Stacey, Todd (Jennifer), and Taylor; four grandchildren: Hannah, Jack, Sophee, and Sam; sister, Bobbie Jean Wesley.
VISITATION: Saturday, January 29th, from 2pm to 4pm at UNO Thompson Alumni House followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE at 4pm. Masks requested. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church-Ralston or Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.
To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Bob Whitehouse was born to Dot and Bob Whitehouse on August 17, 1944, in Omaha Nebraska and was raised in Bellevue, Nebraska where he graduated from Bellevue High School. Upon graduation he attended Kearney Teachers College earning a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Bob went on to receive a Master’s and Specialists Degrees in Secondary School Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Bob began his 47-year career with Omaha Public Schools as a teacher and coach at Omaha Central High. He later became Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Omaha South High School. Then became Principal at Omaha Bryan Junior and Senior High Schools.
Upon retirement, Bob consulted for the district and was also involved with Collective for Youth helping to develop before and after school programs and summertime programming for young people in the Omaha area. Later, Bob was elected to the University Board of Regents where he was a champion for student access and affordability and quality academic and research programs. He served during a time of enrollment and research growth and key leadership appointments across the system.
Bob has been active in many civic organizations and boards. Most recently involved with Kids Can, Optimists, Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, Collective for Youth and Trinity United Methodist Church in Ralston.
Bob received numerous honors during his career, some of the most memorable included being inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, having twice served as President of the organization’s Board of Directors. He’s also been inducted into the Omaha Public Schools Hall of Fame and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame. Bob was a Hall of Fame Athlete at Bellevue High School and Kearney State College (UNK) where he played basketball and ran track and field. He was an All-American long jumper for four years. As a Regent, he was bestowed the Regent Emeritus title.
After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Bob received his angel wings on January 22, 2022. He was preceded in death by parents, Bob and Dot Whitehouse; brother, Ed Whitehouse. He is survived by wife, Kim; children: Stacey, Todd (Jennifer), and Taylor; four grandchildren: Hannah, Jack, Sophee, and Sam; sister, Bobbie Jean Wesley.
Visitation will begin at 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, January 29th, 2022, followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE at 4pm at the UNO Thompson Alumni House, 6705 Dodge Street. Student parking available. Masks requested. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church Ralston or Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.
31 Comments
Kim and family, sorry about Bobs death. He was an inspiration to all of us. As you said it is surreal of what has happened. He was a big support to me the past four years. We will remember all of you in our prayers
I only knew Bob as a fellow athlete at UNK, but he was quietly impressive, even then. And I only heard or read good things about him over the years. We have truly been blessed by his term on this earth.
My condolences to his family.
Bob was truly a man for others. He will be remembered as a true friend, wonderful neighbor, and always having the interest of others first and foremost. He will be sorely missed by all.
RIP dear friend.
I send my deepest sympathy to the family at this sad time. Bob was such a supporter of youth in so many ways. I knew him best from his time in the 1980s on the board of Youth Emergency Services. Whether he was on a ladder painting or serving as an officer on the board, he was committed to service to others. And he did it with such grace, humor and intelligence. It was always a delight to see him in later years. I regret that those times are at an end. Please know that many grieve with you as we honor his life.
My condolences to Kim and the family in the loss of Bob. He was a good friend and colleague. He touched many friends and will be greatly missed.
Stan Hale, Vice Principal, Millard South H.S. (retired)
On behalf of the NSIAAA, I send our condolences to the family of Dr. Whitehouse. Bob was a true leader in our state, especially with the NSIAAA and getting the organization started. He also was a positive mentor to many in administrative classes, including myself. I am a better person because of his guidance. Our thoughts and prayers to you all,. He will be missed by many, but remembered by so many more.
Sorry for your loss Bob was the fairest and most understanding principal I worked with , I worked both Bryan jr. and sr. High with Bob till he retired. He will be missed by many people .
Eugene, I totally agree. He was a very nice guy and a great Administrator. Hope you are doing well!
I first heard about this Saturday and it is with sadness today when I saw the notice today from UNL. Bob Whitehouse was my high school counselor in the mid-70s and while only 14 years my senior, helped direct my maturity when I needed it (I thought I deserved a ‘Letter’ in something and it wasn’t girls).
A few years ago we met at Charleston’s and reconnected when my son was running for NU Regent. Bob was unchanged in his calm, professional mannerisms. I remember looking at him that day and thinking ‘It’s been about 45 years and he’s still such a great guy.’ A great educator, administrator, public servant and a cherished ‘counselor,’ too.
We extend our sympathies to you and your family. Bob was a very special person ,friend and fraternity brother. He will be missed. Your grief is shared by many.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He took over temporarily as Principal of the Alternative Schools in OPS when I worked there. We got along well and I enjoyed working for and with him. Praying for his family and friends.
What a great friend, fraternity brother, and track team mate Bob was to me at KSC. There was’t a lot of those who was as friendly and understanding to all people he associated with. My condolences, sympathy, and prayers to Kim and his entire Family. May he RIP in the Eternal Arms of the Lord Forever!
Bob was well-liked and was respected by so many peers and students. He surely will be missed. Paul and I send our condolences to his family
So very sorry to Kim and family. Bob was an incredible person and a memorable figure in the community. I loved talking about Bryan High athletics with him and hearing all of his amazing family stories. Sending positive thoughts to the family during this difficult time.
Bob will be so missed by so very very many people . He was an admired educator, leader , role model, friend and so much more to so many of us in OPS and beyond . . He gave tirelessly of his wisdom, advice, kindness and love . No one could ask for a better friend .
Kim and Family, my love and deepest condolences to you all. Bob was absolutely one of the planet’s Better Human Beings, so positive and supportive and a leader by example.
I’ve known Bob since my senior year at Central, 1969, but he also always spoke so highly of my dad Russ, who thoroughly enjoyed Bob and you, Kim. Bob’s note of support to me when I ran for legislature in 2006 was so special to me. He certainly lived his life to make his part of the world a better place for so many. God bless
Bob and his family were friends of our family in Bellevue
I am so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing and send my sincere condolences to Kim and Bob’s children.I so appreciated the opportunity to work with Bob on the OPS P.O.E.T team. I considered Bob a true mentor and role model.He was a true friend to all who came to know him. We are all better persons for having known him!
Kim, sending you my love and prayers. Uncle Bob was such a great guy and so well loved. He touched many lives and will live on fondly in our memories.
I knew Bob when he was a significant part of OPS and a Nebraska Regent. He was instrumental in helping my son graduate from the university when he had struggled for 12 years to attain his degree. His concern and care for a young man whose financial and family issues stood in the way of his diploma, only exemplified the kind person that he was. I will always remember him for the effort he made for a future alum. May he Rest In Peace in the hearts of all Cornhuskers. Thank you, Bob.
My condolences to Mrs.Whitehouse and the family. Mr. Whitehouse will be truly missed. He was the BEST PRINCIPAL EVER!! He listened to our concerns as students at Bryan and was sincere and fair. He always greeted us with a smile on his face when walking the halls. So sad to hear this.
My condolences go out to the family.
I wish that I could find the right words to describe my sorrow about the loss of a very special friend. Bob was an extraordinary Regent and a great man, husband and father. Linda and I will miss his gentle and kind demeanor. We are dismayed that we are unable to be with you and your family for Bob’s service. When we return from Florida we hope to give you a bid hug sometime soon.
My condolence to both Bob and Kim, I had the great pleasure to work with both of them.
Carvie Erwin
Kim, Glenn, Sr. and I send our sincere condolences to you. We both thought highly of our Friend and colleague, “Bob”. This is how Glenn referred to him. I always call him “Mr. Whitehouse” – even in informal settings. Bob Whitehouse was a man of all seasons and lived/worked effectively in all of those seasons. His love for people, was exemplified in all that he did and was evidenced in his kindness, fairness, care, of his actions. He lived his Eulogy and his faith …….what a Man……what a Friend……what a Father……..what a Husband! – Sincerely Drs. Glenn E.,Sr., and Carol T. Mitchell
What a loss. Bob Whitehouse was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known and so generous of spirit, too. I worked with him at Burke High School and appreciated his work ethic and his sense of humor as much as I did his appreciation for justice and his compassion for others. He was a truly amazing human being and the world is darker for his absence. I truly hope to see him again someday.
Km and family: Please accept my sincere condolences. I remember Bob, or as I called him Mr. Whitehouse or Coach, as such an inspirational individual. He was my track coach at Central HS, 1971 senior year. We had a track meet against Bellevue (his alma mater) and Council Bluffs St Albert. We had just finished and we were walking to the bus to come back home. He came up to me and asked how I did. I told him that I ended up with two second place finishes in the field event (discus). He was ecstatic and put his arm around me. As we boarded the bus, he announced the final score: Bellevue 62…..Central 66 !. The entire team erupted (including Bob!). Years later, I was picking up some items at Builder’s Supply and saw Bob in the check-out line. We started talking as if time hadn’t passed at all ! I was very fortunate to have known him. We need more like him.
Kim and family, Bob was a wonderful role model of an educator. His kindness and understanding had such a profound effect on so many students. May all of you be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of him.
Words can’t express the sadness that has engulfed me……………Go be with God, Mr. Whitehouse.
I had the pleasure of working with Bob for many years as part of our efforts to assist kids and families in our juvenile court system. He would help convene area principals to discuss and solve common issues including school attendance, assisting families that struggle, and other issues affecting a student’s welfare. None of these efforts were required as part of his job duties. Typical of him, he saw a need and solved it. Add me to the giant line of those who benefited from his support, friendship, and good counsel. I am forever grateful our paths crossed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and family. God bless.
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