10/1/1951 – 10/1/2017
HARLAN J. (LANNY) DESLER
Harlan J. (Lanny) Desler passed away surrounded by family on October 1, 2017 in Omaha, NE at the age of 66.
Harlan is survived by his wife Christine; children Stacy (Nate)Weston, Eric (Cortney Caniglia), and Adam (Carrie); sister Dianne Desler; grandchildren Alyssa, Abby, Sam, Savana, and Logan; and brother-in-law Loren (Diane) Peterson. He is preceded in death by his father Harlan D., and mother and step-father Norma L. and Robert C. Thompson.
Harlan was born on October 1, 1951 to Norma L. and Harlan D. Desler in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Omaha Benson High School in 1969 and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He began his career as a stocker with Walgreens where he worked his way to store manager at multiple Omaha and Bellevue locations, serving more than 45 years.
At Walgreens he met Christine Peterson, and they married in 1973. Daughter Stacy and sons Eric and Adam were added to the family.
Harlan was a skilled manager and described by employees as a father figure who could make you laugh as well as instill the importance of professionalism. He was a coach and mentor to his staff.
Husker football was his passion, and everyone knew it–from his Big Red room, tailgating, and cheering them on from the stands. Harlan also loved a good party which was evident from hosting annual 4th of July celebrations. Decorating and the traditions of Christmas brought him joy every year. He was an avid collector of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Peanuts memorabilia. He inherited his love of flowers and landscaping from his florist grandfather.
Harlan was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Visitation Thursday 5-7 PM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Funeral Service Friday (10/6/2017) 10:00 AM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery Omaha, NE. Memorials to American Heart & Stroke Association, American Cancer Society or Donor’s Choice.
