Eugene “Gene” Kenneth Lackey, 92, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away November 3, 2026. Born February 14, 1934, on the family farm in Nemaha County, Kansas, Gene entered the world in the midst of a blizzard—he and his twin brother, Hubert, were carried by horse-drawn wagon to the nearest hospital, warmed by a hot water bottle along the way. Growing up on the farm required hard work with his hands; a work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. He attended Humphrey Country School and later graduated from St. Peter & Paul High School.
Gene met Norene Sunneberg while they both attended St. Peter & Paul High School. They were married July 11, 1953, at St. Bridget Church outside of Axtell, Kansas, and soon after moved to Lincoln, where they raised their large family.
When Gene and Norene moved to Lincoln, Gene enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard. He remained steadfast in his commitment to his country until his retirement from the Guard after 25 years.
Gene and Norene were devoted and very active members of St. Teresa's Catholic Church. They raised their children in the Church, and their children attended St. Teresa's School. In retirement, Gene continued to give of his time as a maintenance man and bus driver for St. Teresa’s. Always staying true to his faith, Gene prayed the Rosary every day—sometimes three times a day.
Gene found happiness in everyday pleasures. While still in Kansas, he and Norene went to dances on Friday nights, often dancing to the music of The Flying Dutchmen. Gene was known to be a pretty good dancer. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting, and he took pride in working as a mechanic on old vehicles, including several VW vans. Gene and Norene purchased and flipped several houses, and he was always ready to help his children and grandchildren with their home projects. He supported Norene with her antique business and joined her on antiquing trips. In quieter hours, Gene loved country western movies and shows. He spent later years watching The Grit channel which aired movies starring his favorite, John Wayne. Known as a social person, Gene could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.
Through the years, Gene’s love for family was constant—expressed in time spent together, shared travels with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the simple joy of playing cards with his grandchildren. He will be missed.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norene; infant child, Jennifer; granddaughter, Bridget Lackey; son-in-law, Harry Osborne; his siblings Remiga Lierz, Alice Kongs, Gerald Lackey, Monica Stallbaumer; and his twin brother Hubert Lackey.
Gene is survived by his children, Mary Osborne, William (Ruth) Lackey, Jane (Jeff) Weideman, Theresa Lackey, Margaret (Shawn) Mahler, Kenneth Lackey (Kim McKee), and Jeremy (Valerie) Lackey; grandchildren, Braden (Mary) Lackey, Phillip Lackey, Gabriel Lackey, Meg Lackey, Katherine (Logan) Young, Norene Lackey, Zachery (Ally) Mahler, Tristan (Ansley) Mahler, Collin Mahler, Logan (Chelsea) Weideman; seven great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
A Rosary will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 9101 S. 78th St., Lincoln, NE 68516, on December 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Catholic Church on December 5, 2026, beginning at 10:30 am. Following the Mass a graveside service will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512 at 12:30pm. Memorials are in the care of his family for future designation.
