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Roger L. Lewis
1949 - 2025
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Roger Lewis Obituary
October 13, 1949 - October 15, 2025
Roger Lewis died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after a series of health challenges. Lewis was born on October 13, 1949, to E. Earl and Evelyn (Hansen) Lewis in Fremont, Nebraska. He earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) in Fremont and later earned an MBA from the University of Nebraska. He married Carol Thorson in 1973. They are parents of daughters, Carrie and Kathleen.
Following graduation from Midland, Lewis joined The Omaha World-Herald and for six years served primarily as the newspaper's business reporter. In 1977, he joined Omaha National Bank (now U.S. Bank) where he managed advertising and public relations as Vice President and Director of Communications. Lewis moved to Commercial Federal Bank in 1986 as Vice President and Director of Public Relations. He later was promoted to Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Marketing. While at Commercial Federal, he originated an Independence Day concert and fireworks show in Omaha's Memorial Park, called Commercial Federal Celebrates America. Lewis managed 17 of these free annual concerts, which continue to this day as the City of Omaha Celebrates America. When Commercial Federal was sold in 2005, Lewis joined Children's Hospital & Medical Center (now Children's Nebraska) as Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of Children's Foundation. In the 10 years prior to his retirement in 2016, he managed fundraising for many major hospital projects and programs.
A leader in community activities, Lewis served as board president of several organizations including Immanuel Health Systems, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, Fontenelle Forest Association, Ballet Omaha, the Nebraska Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the National Accreditation Board of PRSA. He also served on the boards of Midland Lutheran College, the Child Saving Institute, and the Nebraska Humanities Foundation.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lewis is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Carrie (Scott) La Plante and Kathleen (Keith) Brennan; and five grandchildren, Abigail and Madelyn La Plante and Kaya, Kaden and Kellen Brennan.
Visitation: Sunday, October 26th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at West Center Chapel.
Funeral: Monday, October 27th, 11 a.m. at Rejoice! Lutheran Church (2556 S. 138th Street)
Interment: Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, Ne.
The family suggests memorials to Rejoice! Lutheran Church, Friends of Lied, and Children's Nebraska Foundation.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel,
7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124
(402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
Memorial Events
for Roger Lewis
Funeral services provided by:
Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Lewis
Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.
11 Entries
Dave Wegge
Yesterday
I served with Roger on the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) Board of Directors for a number of years. He was a leader with great skills in moving LSTC forward. Roger was a servant leader in the true sense of that leadership style. I loved his focus on making good things happen and doing so with grace and humor. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Peace, Dave Wegge
Larry Beldin
October 23, 2025
The Lutheran church and our city has lost an active leader for those interests he felt passionate about. We met years ago through church and our kids grew up together. He was a consumate professional in his work and dedicated in his service to others. We will miss him
Harry Mueller
October 23, 2025
Roger was someone who you could always count on to be available if asked and to always give you first-class leadership. My many years of experience with LSTC and Roger provided me the pleasure to see his leadership ability and commitment to be a servant of God. Always a joy to spend those times together. Harry Mueller
Chris J. Murphy
October 22, 2025
Roger,
Simply said YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE
Life Well Lived
Nancy Parsons
October 22, 2025
Condolences to the Lewis family and friends.
Roger, longtime friend and co worker to my brother; who always spoke so highly of Roger and Carol.
Rest Well Sir.
Gerald and Lynette Harnisch
October 22, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of Rogers passing. Gerald worked with his mother at Midland College, now University. He says she was so great to work with. Our sympathy to all the family.
Gerald and Lynette HARNISCH
Mike Thesing
October 21, 2025
Carol,
I am so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. He fought like a warrior and I will always respect and admire him or that. I'll never forget exchanging stories and encouraging each other during our PT time together at ATC. My heart goes out to you and your daughters...sorry I will miss services as I will be out of town but will be with you in spirit. With Love...Mike Thesing
Carol Russell
October 20, 2025
Carol,
We are so sorry for your loss. I know the past few years were a struggle, but it is a heartbreaking loss with many wonderful memories to fall back on.
Carol and Rick
Helen Krause
October 20, 2025
So sorry to read about the loss of a wonderfully interesting
Man. Always a joy to see the
Two of you.
Faith Lutheran Eldridge Church Council
October 19, 2025
We’re so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying for moments of peace and comfort as you remember your dear Roger. We hope your happy memories of him will stay with you always.
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