Daniel J. Semrad

1949 - 2021

Semrad, Daniel J.

August 14, 1949 - April 8, 2021

Daniel J. Semrad was born August 14, 1949 in Fremont, Nebraska to Louis V Semrad and Mary Kay (May) Semrad. He passed away on April 8, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska surrounded by family.

Dan graduated from Fremont Bergan High School in 1967. Following high school, he went on to graduate from Creighton University in 1971 with a BSBA. After graduation he enjoyed a long career as a financial advisor for Kirkpatrick Pettis, AG Edwards, and SMITH HAYES/DA Davidson. All the while, he enjoyed bucking the system and poking fun at corporate culture.

Dan married Susan Pegler in 1973 and to this union were born sons Scott and Jeff.

Dan developed a passion for education later in life. He went back to Creighton University and earned an MA in Liberal Studies in 2009 and an MA in East West Studies in 2018. He received the Alumni Merit Award for the Creighton Graduate School in 2011 and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2019. He served on advisory boards for the Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences and provided an endowment for the Semrad Lecture Series on Non-Western Thought. Dan was passionate about Creighton University and the value of the liberal arts. As a lifelong learner, Dan was an avid reader and book collector. He loved to share a favorite book with anyone that showed an interest. Today you can still recognize any one of his hundreds of books by the unique scribbles in the margins.

On November 1, 2020, Dan married Julie (Bauer) Kloke.

Dan treated everyone as an old friend by greeting them with a hearty handshake and leaving them with a long embrace. No one could give a hug longer or tighter than Dan. He had many close friends and was a mentor to many others. These relationships were built on books and iced tea. He also loved his dogs more than most humans, and there wasn't a limit as to what he would do to make sure they were cared for.

Dan was a philanthropist and often supported local artists, small businesses, and many nonprofits that were so important to him.

Dan especially held music in high regard. He loved the music of Tom Petty, The Grateful Dead, George Harrison, The Beatles, and many others. Dan was a collector of guitars and a talented guitarist. He enjoyed playing with fellow musicians and occasionally shared the stage with some of the best musicians in Nebraska, including at the Semrad Family Jam every holiday season.

Dan was a lifelong athlete and coach with a particular passion for football, squash, and cycling. He played for the 1966 Fremont Bergan Hall of Fame football team that won 10 consecutive games and the State Championship that year. More recently, he was an avid cyclist and for more than 13 years would regularly ride to Beatrice and back, after which he enjoyed two venti iced whole milk chai tea lattes. Dan's love and consumption of two chai tea lattes every day lasted until the very end. His athletic talents and competitive spirit were passed on to his sons and grandchildren who today excel as dancing, football and basketball.

Most of all, spending time with his family and his beloved friends gave him the most pleasure.

Dan is survived by his wife, Julie; sons, Scott (Lindsey), Jeff (Jamie), Steve (Stephanie) Taylor, Aaron (Liz) Kloke; grandchildren, Maddy, Sophie, Gabby, Griffin, Blake, Sydney, Skylar, Samantha; sister, Vicki Welty (Bob Colhouer); many nieces and a nephew, and many beloved friends.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: Friday, April 23, 2021, at 11am at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive Lincoln, NE. Face coverings are required. Memorials can be sent directly to Domesti-Pups (www.domesti-pups.org), Lighthouse (lincolnlighthouse.org), Nebraska Appleseed (neappleseed.org), or Lincoln Youth Football League (lincolnyouthfootballleague.com). Livestreaming and online condolences at Roperandsons.com.

ROPER & SONS SOUTH LINCOLN CHAPEL

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill), Lincoln, NE

(402) 261-5907 | www.roperandsons.com