Douglas A. "Doug" Lesser

PIERCE -- Funeral service for Douglas A. "Doug" Lesser, 80, of Pierce, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at the United Church of Christ in Pierce. Rev. Gordon Braun will be officiating the service. Interment will be at the Prospect View Cemetery, rural Pierce. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, also at the church in Pierce. Doug passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 at his residence in Pierce. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of the arrangements. Doug was born May 22, 1944 to Alvin and Irene (Klein) Lesser in Norfolk. NE. He was baptized and confirmed in Norfolk at the Zion Congregational Church. Doug attended Pierce High School where he was involved in football, choir and FFA. He graduated in 1962 from Pierce High School and then traveled with the FFA on an Ag tour to countries in Europe and behind the Iron Curtain. On June 7, 1964 he married Sharon Kortje at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Norfolk. They were blessed with five children, Kimmera, Hollie, Julie Ann, Michael and Benjamin. Doug worked for Midwest Beef 1963-1965, he farmed for many years until 1981. In 1979 he started at Nucor Steel until 2002, he then worked as a crop adjuster until 2013 when he finally retired. Doug was a firm believer in supporting his community. He was a member of many organizations and held many officer positions including Pierce Jaycee, Farm Bureau past president, Pierce fireman, Pierce Golf course and Lions Club. He served on the Pierce City Council from 1988-1994 and was Mayor of Pierce from 1994-1998. Doug volunteered at the Pierce Museum and the Pierce County Fair. Doug was not all work, he liked to play. He enjoyed anything dealing with hunting, golfing and fishing. He bowled for many years mainly for Stonacek Memorial. Doug got a hole in one at the Pierce Golf course in 2003. He was always up for cards, shuffleboard and coffee with friends where they exchanged information never gossip. Sports were his passion where he followed all his kids and grandkids’ games thru high school and college. He loved watching anything dealing with the Huskers and Creighton Bluejays. Doug liked to watch John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke. His kids always thought he resembled John Wayne. After he retired, Sharon and Doug started to travel all over the country finally ending up wintering in Arizona. Friday nights were considered date night. This was his way to a happy marriage. Must of worked because they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Doug is survived by his wife Sharon Lesser of Pierce, daughters Kimmera Vogt of Creighton, Hollie (Bob) Zurcher of Wilber, Julie Lesser of Omaha, sons Michael (Kelly) Lesser of Omaha and Benjamin (Megan) Lesser of San Diego, CA, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane, son-in-law David Vogt, and his beloved dog Daisy. Organist will be Charlene Chilvers, and a duet by Taylor and Trey Vogt singing ”How Great Thou Art.” Congregational hymns will be “In The Garden” and “Precious Lord Take My Hand." Pallbearers will be his grandchildren R.J. Zurcher, Ryan Zurcher, Taylor Vogt, Tessa Pedersen, Trey Vogt, Charles Lesser, and Emily Lesser. Honorary pallbearers will be Carter Lesser and Nyla Lesser. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Douglas A. "Doug" Lesser

May 22, 1944 - June 24, 2024