Douglas Elmer Andersen

He served in the United States Navy as a radar technician from 1957 to 1960 after enlisting with a buddy that ultimately was disqualified from service and never joined. After his time in the service, he worked briefly with the state of California where he met Mary Lou Briley, his eventual wife of 59 years. They were married on April 28th, 1962 in Reno NV. As they began their life and started a family, they ultimately made their way to Lincoln NE where they settled down.

Doug served as a FAO with the Lincoln Fire Department from February 1968 to September 2006 where he met many of his dearest friends. Concurrently, he owned and operated his own roofing business for over 25 years where he was able to provide a tremendous service to the Lincoln community while teaching his boys (and many of their friends) a trade. Even after his retirement from the fire department, Doug continued to work installing flooring with his son until the age of 80.

In “retirement”, he continued to dedicate his time to serving the community with the Optimist Club of Lincoln where he served a time as the Lincoln chapter President and was also named Distinguished Lt Governor for the District of Nebraska. He took tremendous pride in his work at the concession stand at the baseball fields. In his spare time, Doug also learned how to work with stained glass and took great pride in honing his skills to complete high quality projects. Doug was also a member of the VFW and a charter member of American Legion Post 1919.

Doug was fiercely loyal to family and friends and in-spite of his dedication to hard work, he always made time for what was most important. He was at nearly all games and events of his children and many of the grandchildren. He was active as a leader in scouting when his boys were young. For many years he maintained a cabin and then a home in Republican City where hours and hours were spent fishing, water skiing, and spending time with family at Harlan County Reservoir. He was always available to lend a helping hand. If you had a chance to talk to him, he would be ready with the list of accomplishments for each member of the family since the last time you spoke.

With Doug’s passing, he will now be reunited with his dad, Elmer Andersen; his mom, Hazel (Bogue) Andersen; his brother, Larry Andersen; lifelong friend, Jerry Greenfield; and many others who helped make him who he was.

Doug’s legacy of family, hard work, and service will live on through his loving wife, Mary Lou (Briley) Andersen; His sister, Sharon (Andersen) McKinley and brother in-law Dick; His son Scott, and wife Dawn; His son Brett, and wife Georgia; His son Troy, and wife Roxie; Helen Andersen whom he considered his daughter; his grandchildren Austen, Megan, Kramer, Marae, Katie, Hannah, Madison, Cole, Hayden, Zade, and Joey; his Great Grandson Hudson; His dear friend Larry Scranton who was with Doug to the very end; and many, many other friends and family who knew, loved, and served along-side a great man.

Military honors at the Omaha National Cemetery along with a celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to the family for later designation