JOHN L. PECK, life-long resident of Tekamah, Nebraska, died Sunday, August 22, 2010, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 83 years.   He was born on February 2, 1927, to Lloyd Carl and Alice Blanche (Skyrme) Peck. John enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and was called to active duty during his senior year of high school.  He served as a medic until the end of World War II.  Following his enlistment he attended the University of Oregon and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he was active in Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.  He was united in marriage to Joyce Ellen Williams on May 23, 1954.  To this union was born four daughters: Nancy, Julie, Linda and Amy, who were also known as #1, #2, #3 and #4.

John grew up in a musical household having a mother who taught piano and dance. He loved singing and playing the piano and passed that legacy on to his family.  His voice was recognizable wherever he went.

 John was owner and partner of Hamel & Peck furniture store and funeral home, retiring in 1986. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for over 50 years. John served on the school board, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and the VFW.  John was always around to voice his flavorful opinions and bring life to any social gathering.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing, mushroom hunting, gardening, flying his plane, reading and was an animated storyteller.  He loved his family, frequently claiming “survival” of four daughters, and proudly talking about his ten unique grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Joyce; daughter, Nancy Peck; sister- and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Allan Yowell and Bob Lane. 

John is survived by daughters and spouses, Julie and Sean Swanson of Omaha, Linda and Brian Srb of Bothell, Washington,  Amy Peck and Dr. John Lohrberg of Omaha; grandchildren, Jonathan and Tessa Hanson of Omaha, Jenna Hanson Smith and Chris Smith of Syracuse, New York, Ian, Megan and Allison Swanson, Kellen and Jonah Srb,  Dana, Drew and Bryn Lohrberg; son-in-law, Kevin and Denise Thomas of Omaha; sister, Alice and Bill Dugan of Eugene, Oregon; nephews, Greg and Hui Lin Dugan of Indiana, Stuart and Evelyn Dugan and family of Washington, Bryce Dugan and Charles Froelick of Oregon; sisters-in-law: the family of Dorothy Yowell, Betty Lane  of  Kingsburg, California and family, Rita and Wayne Lipps of Tekamah and family; beloved care-giver, Betty and Bob Deemer; man’s best friend, Bartok  (aka dummkopf), and  many cherished friends. 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15.

VISITATION: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 - 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Thursday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: Burt County Museum, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Tekamah American Legion and V.F.W.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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