Category: In Memoriam

UNL Flag Line Instructor, 1987-1995

Kathryn (Katy) Coleman, a beloved band staff alum, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024.

Katy was renowned for her imaginative quilting designs, where her use of color and creativity shone brightly. Her artistic talents extended beyond fiber arts; she was a gifted choreographer and designer for high school color guards, dance teams, and show choirs throughout the Midwest as well as the UNL Flag Line instructor from 1987 to 1995.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Coleman; her daughter, Amanda Bowers (husband Josh); her sons, Benjamin Coleman (wife Casey) and Christian Coleman (partner Lisa Charles); and her cherished grandchildren, Scarlett and Sullivan Coleman, and Micah and Lucy Bowers. Additionally, she is survived by countless marching band students who considered her their “band mom.”

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 29, at 6 PM at Summit Church in Apex, NC, with family visitation starting at 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, Katy wished that memorial contributions be made to the Apex Friendship High School Bands Program at https://tinyurl.com/AFHSBands and Greater Impact Dance Studio at https://tinyurl.com/DanceKT .

Our condolences go out the Coleman family. Katy’s warmth, creativity, and dedication touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

John “Dan” Michaelson II, 80, of Lincoln, passed away on February 11, 2022. He was born on February 8, 1942, in Lincoln to Eugene and Bernice (Knapp) Michaelson. Dan proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years. He also proudly called himself the world’s oldest rookie, joining the Cornhusker Marching Band after his military service at age 37.

He was a talented and accomplished musician participating in the Christ UMC Church Brass and Choir, the Community Concert Band, and the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band. While in the United States Navy Dan directed many concert, jazz, and rock bands. His last duty station was as an admin for the Navy Band, where he directed the Sea Chanters Chorus. Dan was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and of the UNL Alumni Band as a participant and served as Treasurer for many years. Dan loved going to Cornhusker home football games with his son, Geoff, who is also a CMB alum. Something special that they got to do together for 35 years.

Celebration of Life to be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street, Lincoln (10). Rev. Richard Randolph, Ph.D officiating.

Read Dan’s full obituary.

Gary Owen Johnson, 62, of Lincoln, passed away on May 13, 2021, in Lincoln. Born on December 17, 1958, in Butte, Nebraska to Owen and Lavaun (Parks) Johnson. 

Gary graduated from Butte High School in 1977. After high school, Gary attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications, where he played trumpet in the Cornhusker Marching Band. After college, Gary went on to have a 30-year career as a revered broadcast journalist for KOLN in Lincoln and WOWT in Omaha. He was a member of Cathedral of the Risen Christ of Lincoln, where he proudly volunteered his time as a CCD teacher. Gary enjoyed being outside and active, often enjoying biking, swimming, and playing golf. 

Rosary will be Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7:30pm at Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 10:30am at the Cathedral of The Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd. burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to the Family for later designation.

Read the full obituary from Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home.

Walter H. Schmidt died November 17, 2020, at Toledo Hospital from COVID-19 complications.  He was born September 19, 1935, to Harold and Helen (McGaughey) Schmidt in Sheridan County, Nebraska. Walter attended grades 1-7 in country school and attended the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture at Curtis, Nebraska for high school graduating in 1953.   He attended University of Nebraska and was a member of the Cornhusker Marching Band and Farmhouse Fraternity.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in June of 1957.  After spending three years in the United States Army, he returned to the University of Nebraska and received a Ph.D in crop production in June 1965.  He was employed by The Ohio State University as Area Agronomist with the Cooperative Extension Service, retiring in June 1995 after thirty years of service. 

You can read the full obituary on the Sheridan County Journal Star web site.

There will be no visitation.  A Celebration of Life will be held later.

Burial will be at Gordon, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers it is suggested memorials be made to: Shriner’s Hospitals for Children with “in memory of Walter”, and sent to Zenobia Shriners 8048 Broadstone Blvd., Perrysburg, OH 43551 or East Side Presbyterian P.O. 525, Fremont OH 43420.

Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whhfh.com

John Dale Ellis, 95, was born August 19, 1925 and was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 22, 2020. John was born in Wilderness Park, Lincoln, Nebraska where his father was caretaker and superintendent of grounds at Epworth Methodist Park. His parents were John Hughes Ellis and Velda May (Rush) Ellis. John graduated from Lincoln High School and served in the Army during WWII. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education and played trumpet in the Cornhusker Marching Band. He was the vocal music and band teacher at schools in Minatare, Stamford, Loup City, Stromsburg, Beaver Crossing, Silver Creek and Benedict.

John sang with the Lincoln Senior Chorus and the Nebraska Christian Men’s Chorus. He also played trumpet with the Lincoln Community Band. John enjoyed playing piano for the residents at Gateway Vista.

Private Family Service. Memorials to the family for future designation. Condolences may be left at RoperandSons.com. The full obituary may be read at Legacy.com.