Vidie Lee Thomas

Calvin Jones

Nov 26, 1970 - Jan 21, 2025

Omaha, NE

Calvin Jones, NFL Runnerback and Nebraska star is amongst the stars at the age of 54. In three seasons at Nebraska, Calvin Jones rushed for over 3,000 yards with the Green Bay Packers. He was with them when they won the Super Bowl after the 1996 season. Jones was a high school All-American at Central High School prior to becoming an integral part of Nebraska. He was an All-Big Eight pick from 1992 to 1993. We formed a tandem called the “We-Back” with Derek Brown, this tandem was a nod to the Cornhuskers’ I-back position, with Jones the backup to Brown in 1991. His breakout came when he ran 27 times for a Big Eight freshman-record 294 yards as well as a school-record six touchdowns in a 59-23 victory over Kansas. His rushing total against the Jayhawks ranks #2 on the Nebraska single-game rushing chart. In 1994, Calvin was declared for the NFL draft. He was a third-round selection of the Raiders. He made an appearance in 15 games over two seasons with the Raiders and had 27 carries for 112 yards and two catches for 6 yards. Jones also played one game for the Packers in 1996. He was a man of high character and was inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. The cause of his untimely demise is suspected to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

Joyce Ellen Crocker

Dec 20, 1969 - Jan 16, 1970

Omaha, NE

Joyce Ellen Crocker, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2013, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on March 18, 1938, in the same city she called home throughout her life. With heavy hearts, we announce the loss of a beloved daughter, sister, and cherished friend. Joyce was an extraordinary individual who touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memory will forever remain etched in our hearts. Joyce led an exceptional life, filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to those around her. Though she remained single, she cultivated lasting friendships and cherished family ties that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Her warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering positivity endeared her to all who crossed her path. A woman of grace and elegance, Joyce was known for her sophisticated taste and refined sense of style. She had a keen eye for art and decor, and her home was a tasteful reflection of her impeccable taste. Joyce understood the transformative power of beauty and strived to make the world a more aesthetically pleasing place. In addition to her aesthetic pursuits, Joyce had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. She often found solace in the serene embrace of nature's wonders, drawing inspiration from its beauty. Joyce was an ardent gardener and delighted in cultivating colorful blooms that brought life and joy to her surroundings. As we bid farewell to our dear Joyce, we would like to extend our gratitude to the caring staff at Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary, located at 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, California, 95628. Their empathy, professionalism, and unwavering support during this difficult time have provided us with solace. If you wish to pay your respects or offer condolences to the family, please contact the Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary at (916) 969-1251. Joyce Ellen Crocker will forever be remembered as an exceptional woman—a beacon of light in the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in eternal peace, her legacy forever imprinted on our hearts.

Bruce Lauritzen

Jun 20, 1943 - Feb 20, 2024

Omaha, NE

Omaha mourns the loss of a true visionary, Bruce Lauritzen, who passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on June 21, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, Bruce dedicated over 55 years of his life to the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), leaving an indelible mark on the city he called home. Bruce's leadership at FNBO was transformative, marked by tremendous growth, expansion into six new states, and the iconic FNBO Business Park and First National Tower. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Omaha's financial landscape, a testament to his unwavering commitment and vision. Beyond the boardroom, Bruce Lauritzen exemplified compassion and leadership. As the leader of the Lauritzen Corporation, overseeing bank branches in Nebraska and Iowa, along with insurance and financial companies, he extended his impact to communities across the region. Clark Lauritzen, FNBO Chairman and President, reflects on Bruce's legacy of compassionate leadership, familial love, and community commitment. The outpouring of condolences from the community is a testament to the lives Bruce touched, resonating far beyond his professional achievements. As Omaha bids farewell to this stalwart businessman, Senator Deb Fischer acknowledges Bruce Lauritzen's role as a strong business and community leader. His generosity and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy for future generations of servant leaders. In honoring his memory, Omaha celebrates a life dedicated to both business success and community betterment.

Scott Lautenbaugh

Nov 10, 1964 - Dec 15, 2023

Omaha, NE

Scott Alan Lautenbaugh, a prominent figure in Nebraska politics and law, passed away on December 16, 2023, in Omaha at the age of 59 after a brief hospitalization. Born on November 11, 1964, in Sioux City, Iowa, he became a proud graduate of Omaha South High School and later earned his law degree from Creighton University in 1991. Scott's distinguished career included private legal practice, where he represented clients across a spectrum of legal matters. Notably, he served as a Nebraska State Senator and as the Douglas County Election Commissioner. His time in the Legislature was marked by a staunch commitment to Republican ideals, personal liberty, and defending small businesses. Scott gained recognition for his unwavering stand against government overreach, notably leading successful battles against Nebraska's smoking ban's impact on cigar bars. Beyond legislative efforts, Scott challenged the mandatory nature of the State Bar Association, prevailing in his petition to the Nebraska Supreme Court and contributing to positive change. Known for his larger-than-life personality, profound intellect, and genuine kindness, Scott left an indelible mark as a dynamic statesman, attorney, father, and friend. His legacy endures through the lives he touched, survived by his partner Laura Nelson, sons Kyle and Nathan Lautenbaugh, Spencer Brewer, like a daughter Sarah Nelson, and cherished cat Rocky. Scott Alan Lautenbaugh will be remembered for his unparalleled impact on Nebraska's political and legal landscape.

Lyle Elmer Strom

Jan 05, 1925 - Nov 30, 2023

Omaha, NE

"Article III federal judge Lyle Elmer Strom served on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. He passed away on December 1st, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska. Born on January 6th, 1925, in Omaha, Strom had a significant career in law and the judiciary. Strom graduated from Creighton University in Omaha. Earning both his bachelor's and J.D. in 1950 and 1953, respectively. His dedication to service extended to the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he served as an ensign from 1943 to 1946. Before his judicial career, Strom practiced law privately in Nebraska from 1953 to 1985. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan, he assumed his role on the District Court in 1985. Where served as chief judge from 1987 to 1994 before transitioning to senior status on November 2, 1995. One of his notable cases involved a wrongful prisoner release in 2013. Where Nikko Jenkins, released by the state of Nebraska, committed multiple murders. Judge Strom ruled in 2015 that sovereign immunity protected the state from wrongful death and release suits. Stating that the act of releasing Jenkins was a discretionary function. The case was dismissed, and Jenkins later filed a civil rights suit against the state. Judge Lyle E. Strom's contributions to the legal field and the judiciary leave a lasting legacy. "