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.
It’s hard to put into words how much he will be missed. Never did I think as a young manager being sent to his store that I would have someone impact me so much! A great boss, a fantastic mentor and later my best friend! My deepest condolences goes to the entire Desler Family! Thank you for everything you have taught me about the strength of family and friendship. Prayers to you all! ❤️
I treasure the time we had together. From endless management coaching sessions, to laughter, to Husker tailgates…. Lanny was the best boss I ever had. He was a great friend and mentor. He taught me so much in my career that I still use today.
My heart goes out to the family who I have known much of my life. Chris, Stacey, Eric, and Adam I am feeling this loss as well. I truly loved him like family and I have always appreciated how close we have been despite the years and distance.
I can still hear his boisterous ” Scud” as he grabbed a salted nut roll from the tables in the aisle – making fun of the inability of the Iran forces to fire upon the US during the war in Iran and tossing it in the air aimlessly. Followed by a chuckle ..oh how I miss that chuckle.
His diet Pepsi and captain Morgan at football games – which has become my drink of choice for years.
His love for the Huskers through thick and thin.
His ability to make light of stressful situations and coach the team through them.
All a series of memories that will always inspire me to be great. Just like him.
I am gonna miss you Boss, Lanny, and dear family friend.
Grief is a process that’s different for every individual. It’s comforting to know that we have a Heavenly Father who knows our inner-most struggles to come to terms with our loss. I recently lost a brother, a sister-in-law and most recently a best friend so I can sympathize with your pain. I found a comforting scripture at 2 Corithians 1:3-4 which speaks of Jehovah as the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our trials. I hope this brings you the same comfort as it has me. For more comforting thoughts visit JW. Org.
Shocked to hear of Lanny’ s passing. He was a friend to me when I needed one and I enjoyed working with him. He taught me a lot about retailing and helped me achieve success in my career. Our prayers to Chris and the kids. He will be missed!
Sure sorry to hear of Lanny’s passing. We were store managers together starting in the mid-70’s. Always enjoyed his sense of humor. Gary Feind.
We will be praying for you all. We will see you at the Funeral. Rich & Mary Ann .