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Douglas Gaer Obituary
Douglas F. Gaer
August 23, 2023
Douglas F. Gaer, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, transitioned from this life to his new celestial home on August 23, 2023 at Heritage House Hospice Care in Atlantic, Iowa.
Doug was diagnosed with advanced cancer in June. He faced the following weeks with such bravery and acceptance. He truly was and always will be our hero. Doug was able to stay with us long enough to meet and hold his newest grandson Miles and his first great-grandchild Scarlett. He considered himself blessed.
And those blessed to have had him as their loving husband and father are his wife Dixie; sons, Brett (Amy Vitek) and Blake (Jessie Lee); daughters Bethany (Jon Smalley) and Bradi; grandchildren, Madeline, Meredith, Michael, Isabel, Monroe, Miles; great granddaughter Scarlett; many friends and family.
A Celebration of Life for Doug is planned for October 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home, Greenfield, Iowa, followed by a luncheon reception at the Historic Hotel Greenfield.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Gaer
Kit
March 24, 2026
Hey Dixie & Blake: I dug up addresses of people to contact & update. Saw the obit on Doug. OMG I am sooooo sorry. I´d sent a note to Doug/Dixie and got it back. I´ll fwd to Flint Ridge Place in Lincoln w hopes I´ve picked the right address. Again- I am SO Sorry. Doug was such an advocate for the club (LFC) and always for his family. Kit
Fred Jonske
October 15, 2023
Nancy and are deeply saddened for the passing of Doug Gaer. Doug was a trusted and caring friend. He was wonderful human being who was always willing to extend a helping hand to others. I was incredibly fortunate to have Doug as a teammate in helping to build Lincoln Benefit Life. He was a strong leader with high emotional IQ who brought people together. At a time when our country and world seem to be growing more apart and hostile to each other, it is especially unfortunate to lose someone like Doug who was a unifier. My deepest regret is that I did not have a chance to re-engage with Doug recent years. Dixie, please accept our condolences for your loss but also take note the "light" Doug brought to everyone will forever shine.
Fred Jonske
Joey Decker
September 27, 2023
My condolences to the family. Doug was a wonderful person and made it a point to come around and see how everybody was doing, especially during the holidays. His leadership was unmatched and we are all better people because of him! I am a better manager because of him. He will be missed. Rest peacefully.
Doug Beran
September 12, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Dixie and the Gaer family. I am hoping you find strength and comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LBL was a great company because of Doug´s admirable leadership and motivating management style. Doug was an unequivocally good man whom truly cared for and respected every employee. Doug believed and uniquely managed knowing that a happy employee results in happy customers. Doug was a mentor to me and countless others, and truly made the world a better place to be. Godspeed, Doug.
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Jeff Harr
August 31, 2023
Such a privilege to work with Doug. He listened with his heart, then did whatever needed to be done to make things better for his people.
Thank you, God, for giving us Doug. May eternal light shine upon him.
Deb Eckery
August 31, 2023
Dixie, we are so sorry for you and your family´s loss. Gone too soon. The few times we were with him we found it very easy to talk to him. Lovely personality. Sending hugs.
Marron and Tom Keady
August 31, 2023
OH DIXIE! We are so very sorry to hear this. Doug was such a wonderful man! We will be at the Celebration of his Life. Our prayers are with you and your family. Many many hugs!
Julianna L Fischer
August 27, 2023
My condolences to Dixie and her family. Doug was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who have known him.
Sanda Todd
August 26, 2023
I worked many years with Doug. He was a great leader and a special man. He always made you feel appreciated. A co-workers check was short one time and it would take weeks to fix. They told Doug they couldn´t pay the electric bill. Doug had them bring him the bill and he went to LES and paid it. Also when they opened the New York department they were so overwhelmed that he came there many times and worked. He also made the rounds at holidays to stop and chat with everyone.
Karen Willingly
August 26, 2023
I worked with Doug for 27 years. Judging from all the wonderful comments on our LBL Facebook page, I was not the only one who is grateful to have known him. We all enjoyed his kind, caring, and empathetic leadership and sense of humor. He was a fantastic mentor. This world lost a wonderful soul and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Dixie and all of his family and those who also held him dear. May happy memories help lessen your grief.
Staci Swedlund
August 24, 2023
Doug was such an amazing leader as a VP at LBL where I was blessed to work with him for many many years! He genuinely cared for all employees and treated everyone as his friend, greeting you with a smile and wave! Always kind and humble, no one would guess him to be one of the company's VPs! Doug made work fun when he was around, always positive and could get you crying with laughter when sharing stories! RIP Doug & may your family and friends' hearts soon be filled with all the wonderful memories of joyful times together! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Jodi Wright
August 24, 2023
Doug was an incredible leader. I loved his humor and care for all employees of Lincoln Benefit Life. He was so personable and genuine. I still have the gift he gave me when I moved away from Nebraska - he was so thoughtful. He will be missed.
Sue Bruss
August 24, 2023
Doug was such a wonderful man. I was blessed to know him since the late 70's. His wisdom, humor and kind heart will be greatly missed. Love to Dixie and the rest of the family.
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Funeral services provided by:
Lamb Funeral Homes - Greenfield101 S.E. 4th Street PO Box 390, Greenfield, IA 50849
People and places connected with Douglas
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Journal Star
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