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Donald Wesely Obituary
Donald Raymond Wesely, 70, of Lincoln, passed away on March 18, 2025. He served 20 years as a Nebraska State Senator before becoming Lincoln's mayor in 1999. He continued his work in public policy as Senior Vice President at Lindsay Harr Macdonald.
A devoted father, grandfather, and partner, Wesely was known for his compassion, integrity, and thoughtful conversations. He cared deeply for Lincoln and Nebraska, leaving a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
He is survived by his life partner, Michele Casanova; children, Ashton, Andrew (Jane Hartig), and Sarah (Jay Steinkruger); and grandchildren, Ezra and Evie Wesely Steinkruger.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln. Private family graveside service.
Memorials to Lux Center for the Arts.
Condolences and link to live stream of memorial service: Roperandsons.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wesely
5 Entries
Len Mize
March 27, 2025
Don was a shining soul of kindness and integrity in a challenging industry. Don was one of the best men I´ve met in my life! I´m so sad for Don and his family for his untimely death. He´d worked so hard and was finally about to enjoy his own time and interests. Love you and miss you Don!
Lori Lynn Meier Johnson
March 24, 2025
We are sending Prayers to Don's Family. We've known Don and Jim since Bethany. May God Bless You All.
Kathy Corbett
March 24, 2025
Don was a great supporter of nurses across the state. I was a NNA board member for a few years when he lobbied for nurses in the Legislature. He had a great smile!
Esther scarpello
March 23, 2025
To Don's family, we are so sorry for your loss. Don was the epitome of a public servant, his impact on Nebraska and Lincoln will be far reaching and long lasting. A fun recent memory Steve and I had was when we saw Don and his grandson at Hamilton when it was at the Lied. We sat in the row behind them - it was a delight watching a special grandfather/grandson experience as they enjoyed the performance. Best wishes in the days ahead. Steve and Esther Scarpello
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Carolyn Clark
March 23, 2025
Don's integrity, compassion and faithful sense of duty will be will be missed by all who knew him. I worked with him in the 70's and 80's when we're both young and idealistic, it was a privilege.
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