Stanley (Bud) J. Slosburg

Stanley (Bud) J. Slosburg

February 1, 1918 – June 7, 2019

“So Jolly and what a go-getter…” These words used to describe Buddy Boy in his 1935 Central High School senior yearbook rang true for the next 80+ years. Stanley Justin Slosburg lived 101 years, and he lived every one of them to the fullest.

Bud graduated from The University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1939 where he served as the president of the ZBT fraternity. He loved his alma mater and remained lifelong friends with his ZBT fraternity brothers. Upon graduating from college, Bud served our country in World War II as an Army lieutenant and the provost marshal of Nice, France. He returned to Omaha after the war and joined the family business, Slosburg Realty, which his father founded in 1918, the same year he was born. Bud and his younger brother, Harold “Bus” Slosburg ,initially concentrated on platting, building and selling single family homes in some of Omaha’s great neighborhoods including Dundee and Fairacres. Many of these homes are still standing and considered architectural gems today. Later in his career, Bud shifted his focus to more commercial work and built and leased buildings to national tenants in Omaha and throughout the Midwest. Bud was a visionary…in the 1950s and 1960s, he assembled land for development which eventually became Midtown Crossing.

But the best deal Bud ever made was marrying Eleanor Passer of Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1948, just six months after they met on a blind date. He and Eleanor raised four children in Omaha and were very involved parents—whether it was scouting, swim meets, or tennis tournaments, Bud put his family first. As the children grew, Bud continued to be an active volunteer and leader in his community and his synagogue. Locally, he served as the President of The Omaha Tennis Association, the President of Western Hills School PTA, and the President of Temple Israel congregation. Other organizations to which he devoted his time included the United Way Citizens Assembly, the Milton S. and Corinne H. Livingston Foundation, NCCJ (a former Humanitarian of the Year award recipient), Immanuel Hospital and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He and Eleanor migrated to the desert during the winter months and were also actively involved in the Rancho Mirage community.

Bud had a number of interests and passions. He had a love for roses, which he grew in his backyard for over 20 years and often won ribbons for them at local competitions. Nebraska football was his greatest passion. Starting as a small child with 25 cent knothole tickets…to the 1930’s when he rode in livestock cars in order to attend games, and later traveling for bowl games and national championship victories, Bud attended Husker games for over 90 years. He often incorporated Husker football into celebrations for family and friends. Bud played tennis into his 80s. He became known as the “King of the Lob” and had regular partners set up for different days of the week. He played in the Veterans League at Dewey Park and helped make the Hanscom Courts a reality. Bridge was his favorite pastime. He played into his late 90s and enjoyed the challenge of duplicate bridge. Bud never missed a party. Being with friends, going out to dinner, and traveling were a major part of his life. It wasn’t a dessert if it didn’t include ice cream!

What distinguished Bud throughout his life was his ability to make others feel good about themselves. He always remained positive and was a wonderful role model and mentor. His greatest joys were teaching his family lessons of life, being a leader in his community, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. Bud instilled his love for life in his children and grandchildren and was always cherishing time with them and encouraging them to have fun, work hard and “enjoy the moment!”

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Eleanor; his parents, Jacob J. Slosburg Jr. and Sallie B. Slosburg; his brothers, Lester (Dodie) Slosburg, Harold (Marion) Slosburg; his sisters, Ramona (Maurice) Slosburg Pepper, Florence Slosburg; and his granddaughter, Ali Slosburg.

Survived by his children, Richard (Ellen) Slosburg, Mary Jo (Jim) Ward, David (Martha) Slosburg, Danny (Patti) Slosburg; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service is being held. Stanley’s family will greet friends at a Celebration of Life in honor of Stanley from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday, June 11 at Happy Hollow Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stanley may be made to charities of your choice.