Paul E. Brodhagen

Paul Erwin Brodhagen, lovingly known as “Brody” to his close friends, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 83. Born on June 13, 1942, in Pierce, Nebraska, Paul lived a life full of friendship, family, Husker pride, and enough stories to keep a coffee shop table of his buddies entertained for hours.

Paul was born to Erwin and Betty Brodhagen. After Erwin’s passing in 1959, Betty later married Bob Bush. Paul grew up in Plainview, Nebraska, where he attended school from kindergarten through graduation, proudly earning his diploma from Plainview High School in 1960. Education remained important to him throughout his life. Paul graduated from Kearney State College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later earned his Master of Education degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969.

In 1964, Paul met the beautiful Sharon Olberding, and the two were married on August 12, 1967. In February of 1982, they welcomed their long-awaited daughter, Crystal, who would become the great joy of his life.

Paul began his career in education in West Point, Nebraska, where he taught school and coached football, basketball, and several other sports. Later, Paul made the move to Lincoln and entered the business world, working in sales until retirement. Although “retirement” may not be the right word. Even after officially retiring, Paul kept an office, partly for business but mostly to maintain his very active social calendar. Brody never met a stranger, and there was always someone stopping by to visit.

A lifelong Husker fan through and through, Paul’s loyalty to Nebraska athletics could only be described as legendary. He held season football and basketball tickets for more than 30 years and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Huskers. He especially loved road trips to games with friends in “the van” (if you know, you know). Some of his favorite memories were attending Husker games alongside Crystal, creating traditions and moments they both treasured deeply to his final days.

Paul also loved golf and spent countless weekends on the course and in tournaments, enjoying equal parts competition, camaraderie, and cold beer. More than anything, Paul loved people. His social battery was never full. He was the happiest with family and friends, a cold Coors Light nearby, headed to a small-town restaurant, or talking Huskers with anyone willing to listen. His gift was the ability to make everyone feel like a friend and his one liners followed by the best laugh were unforgettable.

The absolute highlight of Paul’s later years came in 2020 with the birth of his grandson, Everett. Known proudly as his “favorite grandson” and affectionately as his “little buddy,” Everett brought Paul endless happiness and plenty of reasons to smile. Their bond was something truly special.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Crystal (Eric Wacker) of Lincoln; grandson Everett; bonus grandchild Brooklynn Wacker; cousin Jane Watson, wife of the late Marv Watson; lifelong friends Dan and Ro Stiffler; and countless friends who became family over the years.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Betty, stepfather Bob Bush, and his former wife, Sharon.

Brody will be remembered for his quick wit, loyal friendships, endless Husker devotion, and the way he could turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable gathering. Somewhere, there’s probably a golf game starting, a Husker kickoff approaching, and a cold Coors Light waiting for him.