Donna R. Lant

Donna graduated from Beatrice High School and went on to attend the University of Nebraska. She married Clifford Lant on February 25, 1962. Though they later divorced on February 2nd, 1996, together they shared many years and raised a family.

Throughout her life, Donna was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She spent 10 years working as a legal secretary in Lincoln, Nebraska City, and Chicago, Illinois. In 1973, she became a licensed real estate agent and proudly sold real estate with Woods Bros. and Home Real Estate (formerly Austin Realty) for nearly 30 years. Donna also worked for Oasis Staffing, H&R Block, and Nebraska Title Company. One of her greatest sources of pride was her long service at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, where she worked from 1973 to 2011.

Above all, Donna was devoted to her family. She was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother who rarely missed an activity, performance, or milestone. She was actively involved in Eastridge School PTA and the East High Band Boosters, always cheering on her children and grandchildren.

Donna enjoyed being part of several organizations, including Preceptor Beta Beta of Beta Sigma Phi and Daughters of the Nile - Naphis Temple No. 66. She had a special talent for decorating and found great joy in helping create beautiful settings for weddings, dinners, and ceremonies.

Donna was a devoted Husker Volleyball fan and for many years, she shared season tickets with her sister, Carol. She loved working with flowers and took pride in upkeeping her beautiful yard. Reading was another passion she deeply enjoyed. She also loved to travel and treasured family vacations to California, Florida, Washington, D.C., New York City, and the Rocky Mountains, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime trip she took to Italy.

Donna is survived by her son, Stephen Lant and daughter-in-law Janae Lant of Lincoln; her daughter Lori Oden-Muth and son-in-law Jared Muth of Roca; granddaughter, Madelynn Oden of Roca; grandsons, Andrew Lant, Ethan Lant and Wyatt Oden all of Lincoln; sister, Freda Oltman of Lincoln; many nieces and nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; former husband Cliff Lant; brothers, Lester “Bud” Coates, Thomas Coates, Dale Coates and Marvin Coates; sisters, Luella Gillespie, Laurine Jewell, June Hostetter and Carol Siebe.

Donna will be remembered for her dedication to family, her generosity of spirit, and the care and love she showed to everyone around her.

Visitation with family will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. A celebration of life reception gathering will follow the memorial service. Memorial donations will go to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.