Allan Lee Abbott

That belief guided a lifetime devoted to public service, family, and encouraging others to reach their potential.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Gretna, Nebraska, on the morning of March 3, 2026, holding the hand of his love, Bobbie Abbott.

Born in Springfield, Illinois in 1939 to Russell and Alma (Traeger) Abbott, Al grew up curious about how things worked and determined to make them better. That curiosity led him to the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in civil engineering while also serving in the Air National Guard. It was the beginning of a career that would span decades and leave a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Al dedicated his professional life to transportation and infrastructure, convinced that well-designed roads and public systems could improve everyday life and keep people safe. He began his career with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and steadily rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for thoughtful leadership, strong convictions, and a willingness to tackle complex problems.

It was while working late at IDOT that Al met the love of his life, Bobbie Nolan, in the fall of 1974. They began dating shortly after, and married in 1975.

In 1990, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Illinois Division of Highways. Two years later, he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, to serve as Director of the Nebraska Department of Roads during Governor Ben Nelson's administration—a role that would become one of the defining chapters of his career. During those years he oversaw major transportation initiatives and represented Nebraska in national transportation discussions through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

He later continued serving the public as Director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of Lincoln, under the leadership of Mayor Don Wesely, and later as a transportation advisor to U.S. Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns.

Public service was never just a job for Al. He held deep respect for the civil servants who kept the government running. At one point he even ran for city council, believing strongly that people should step forward when they felt they could help improve their communities.

Those who knew Al knew he expected a lot from people—but it came from a genuine belief in what people could achieve. Shortly before his passing, he reflected:

“I never meant to hurt anybody, but I did want to encourage people to reach their potential…I don’t know how many people really understood me. If people knew what they were capable of, it would be a great thing.”

Despite a career filled with responsibility and accomplishment, Al’s greatest pride was his family.

As he once wrote, “All of my professional achievements, including working with governors, federal and state senators, and congressional women and men, pale in comparison to the love and support I have received from my family.”

He made it a priority to be present for both significant milestones and everyday moments, celebrating their successes, encouraging their ambitions, guiding them when life got tough, and always cheering them on.

Outside of work, Al spent countless hours on the golf course with friends, Bobbie, and his children—and eventually his grandchildren. Few things made him happier than sharing a round of golf and the easy conversations and laughter that came with it. On the course, he was both competitor and encourager, keeping meticulous track of every score and announcing them at unexpected moments, sometimes in hopes of throwing people off their game.

Al also loved to travel, visiting nearly every state in the U.S. (having missed only Hawaii and Alaska) and enjoying several international trips as well. One highlight was spending a month in Japan for work, an experience that left a lasting impression.

At home, Al enjoyed reading, particularly a good murder mystery. He loved a lively conversation, a sharp observation, and a well-timed joke. Those who knew him well remember his quick wit, his sarcastic sense of humor, and legendary punctuality–where fifteen minutes early was already late. When a word escaped him, it quickly became a “whatchamacallit.” Even in humor, he had a way of nudging people to think a little bigger.

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara (Bobbie)(Nolan) Abbott; his children Lance Abbott (Natalie Weston), Darren Abbott, Wendy (Aaron) Craig, Brendan Abbott (Dr. Natalie Jensen), and Hailey Abbott (Jon Weinhold); his eleven grandchildren Nicole (Josh), Gavin, Eric (Kayla), Ashton, Clark (Katie), Grant, Allan, Bridget, Isabelle, Oscar, and Eliza; his two great-grandchildren Henry and Arthur; his two sisters Debra (Norm) Heigert, Beverly (Doug) Nolting; and his brother Ralph (Suzette) Abbott

He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Alma (Traeger) Abbott, his sister Judy Keller, his former wife Dr. Lynne Abbott, his nephew Nicolas Heigert, brothers-in-law Jim Nolan, Ken Nolan, and Robert Medd, and his parents-in-law Joe and Lucy (Geitl) Nolan.

A Celebration of Life honoring Al will be held on March 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home (6800 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512, Gate 3). The service will be livestreamed at lincolnfh.com

A small reception will follow where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life.

Al was committed to supporting causes that improve the world and help others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to:

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital – https://www.stjude.org/donate

• Cancer Research Institute – https://www.cancerresearch.org/donate

• National Public Radio – https://www.npr.org/donations/support

Al never stopped seeing the potential of others and spent much of his life encouraging people to be brave enough to grow, lead, and try.

As he often reminded those around him:

“Even a turtle has to stick its neck out to move forward.”