Dr. Robert James Florell

Florell, Dr. Robert "Bob" James

May 3, 1925 - October 12, 2023

Dr. Robert "Bob" James Florell, of Lincoln, NE, passed away peacefully, at home, on Thursday, October 12TH, at the age of 98, just before reaching the one-year mark of the passing of his beloved wife, Idonna. Bob was born at home on May 3, 1925 to Carl and Myrtle Florell, near Courtland, KS, where he was raised. He was confirmed with the Class of 1939, in the Ada Lutheran Church. After graduating from Kackley High School in 1942, he attended Fairbury Junior College, in Nebraska, before serving as a soldier in Korea. After Korea, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska with the support of the GI Bill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1949. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Stanton and David City, Nebraska High Schools. It was at David City where he met ldonna Burkhart, the Business Education Teacher, and they were married on August 1, 1954, at the Fairbury Methodist Church. They were blessed with 68 wonderful years together. Bob was an avid reader and an eager, lifelong learner. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956, and was hired by the Nebraska Wheat Commission in 1958 prompting a move to Lincoln, where he and Idonna would live out the remainder of their lives together. As a graduate student, at the University of Nebraska, he earned a Doctor of Education degree in 1966 in Community and Human Relations. He accepted a position with the University of Nebraska and after 30 years he retired in 1991 from a Cooperative Extension Service Administration staff position and as a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications.

After retirement, Bob and Idonna traveled extensively, having gone to six continents and all 50 states, and were also avid University of Nebraska sports fans. Bob and ldonna were dedicated members of Christ United Methodist Church from 1960 to 2022, when Idonna passed away. Bob continued his membership until his own death. They ushered at the Lied Center for 22 years. Other organizations that Bob belonged to were: Executive Club, Shrine, OLLI, UNL Travel Group and Educators Investment Club.

Bob cherished time with his family and friends. Many of his friendships lasted his whole life. He loved to attend weekly coffee, visits with friends and various activities at the Knolls, where he lived. He was the happiest when he was surrounded by his loving family and always felt so fortunate to be such an important part of their lives. After 68 years of marriage, Bob and ldonna were blessed with three children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by son, David (Kerry) Florell, of Lincoln, and their three boys, Ryan, Tyler, and Brandon; daughter, Brenda (Craig) Nelson, of Waterloo, NE, and their three children, Elizabeth (Trevor) Stewart, and their two children, Skylar and Weston, of Bozeman, MT, and Katie (Devin) McCarthy, and their two children, Hadley and Olivia, of Elkhorn, NE, and Travis (Sailor) Nelson, and their two children, Zeke and Duke, of Omaha, NE; and son, Scott (Amy) Florell, of Salt Lake City, and their three children, Abigail, Anna and Scotty.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Idonna Florell; mother, Myrtle Florell; father, Carl Florell; sister, Joyce Patrick; and brother, Curtis Edward Florell at birth.

There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE at Christ United Methodist Church, Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 12 p.m. Memorials to Christ United Methodist Church and The Lied Center for Performing Arts. Condolences can be sent to www.bmlfh.com. Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home