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Rodney A. Conser

Conser, Rodney A.
Oct 18, 1934 - Aug 7, 2012

Of Omaha moved on peacefully and faithfully close to sunrise after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). He is survived by his wife of 56 years Annette Nelson Conser, children Lynne (Mike) Larabee, Russell (Nancy) Conser, Suzanne (Rob) Carpenter, 7 grandsons Jacob & Alberto Larabee, Alex, Chris & Tim Conser, Tyler & A.J. Carpenter, cousins Darlene DeMott Rutter and Bob and Paul Conser, and the families of his sister-in-laws Karen Nelson (J.R.) Bueno and Patrice Nelson (Larry) Arndt and many other beloved extended family and friends.

He lived a life of faith, integrity, and strong family values. He was gentle, compassionate, kind, and a servant leader. His family was extremely important to him and he was known to spend many a late night guiding and discussing concerns or thoughts when needed. He had a deep respect for people and enjoyed talking and chatting with all.

He was enrolled in ROTC throughout his days at North High School and Omaha University (now UNO). Upon college graduation he waited for his call-up orders from the Air Force. He dreamed of being a pilot of a large transport plane and served the Air Force in San Antonio and Mission Texas, and Panama City Florida. He was a radar controller in Iceland and at the radar base on 72nd Street in Omaha. He was separated from his young wife for a year while stationed oversees in Rejkavik Iceland. After leaving active duty he served in the Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1969.

He began his civilian career at Western Electric, the manufacturing arm of ATT, in late 1959 and worked there as an industrial and business engineer throughout all company changes until his retirement in 1996. While working he returned to UNO for a second bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering.

During the years his children were at home he was an active volunteer and leader in their District 66 schools, Cub Scouts, and Church Sunday School. He was also involved with the Jaycees, Wesley House (serving on the Board of Directors and as President), and the local, district, and state annual church conferences in Nebraska. Following retirement he became very active in The New Community Development Corp (NCDC), eventually leading the Board of Directors as their president. He was very proud of how he and others contributed to the building of community, support, and physical structure in the areas of the city where he was raised.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling and attending many educational, bicycling, and service Elderhostels throughout the states and world. Rod served as Omaha District Lay Leader for the United Methodist Church and the leader for Congregational Development of the state-wide Church. Rod also served many years as the volunteer computer network administrator for St. Paul United Methodist Church. It was very hard for him to leave this role and his other volunteering when the impact of disease began to severely limit him. He also served many years as the computer communication expert for the North High School Class of 1952, and enjoyed reuniting with his old friends and classmates.

Rod enjoyed playing bridge and played regularly with a group of friends connected to his church. He also enjoyed air planes, trains, traveling (especially to family or Colorado), drafting, photography, and weather. He was a life-long learner with a natural curiosity for the whys and hows of every problem.

The last two years of his journey on earth became increasingly difficult until in February he finally required skilled nursing care. The family would like to thank his physicians, Home Instead, Hospice, and Hillcrest Country Estates and staffs for their patience, support and excellent care. His brain has been donated to CurePSP, through the brain research bank at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. His hope would be that someday prevention tactics and a cure are found so that others do not have to suffer from this devastating disease.

Visitation: 6-8:00 P.M. Monday (13 Aug 2012) at Roeder Mortuary.

Funeral: 10:00 A.M. Tuesday (14 Aug 2012) at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby Street.

Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials: St. Paul United Methodist Church or Heifer International (www.heifer.org) in lieu of flowers.


Roeder Mortuary
2727 North 108th St
Omaha, NE, 68164

402-496-9000

www.roedermortuary.com
 

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