Norman Lee Lans, age 84, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2021 at Lexington Regional Health Center. Norman was born on July 28, 1937, at their Harlan County farmstead, to Clare and Ethel (Anderson) Lans and grew up on the farm. Norm was the oldest of three siblings; his sister Carolyn recalls their younger brothers Larry and Dean asking their dad “why does Norman always get to drive the tractor?” Norm remained a farmer at heart throughout his life.
After he graduated from Stamford High School in 1955, he attended Kearney State College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Norman taught Industrial Arts in Republican City. On June 12, 1960 Norm married his high school sweetheart, Jonelle Pentz, at the Lutheran Church in Stamford.
A short time later, they moved to Lexington, both joining the Lexington Public School System. Three children were blessed to their marriage; Lynn, Lori, and Jennifer. Norm was always proud of his children and enjoyed a full life in Lexington raising their family in the Presbyterian Church. His faith in the Lord was strong, he was a gentle soul and was a very committed man to his family and friends. He served on the First Presbyterian Church Session.
Norm was an accomplished home builder and woodworker, taught school for two decades, worked at Sperry New Holland manufacturing, Valley Sales and retired from The City of Lexington. He enjoyed being with family and friends in Apache Junction, AZ, during his retirement. Although he was a man of few words, his family prayers were from the heart, and he loved talking about Arizona.
Norm enjoyed Husker football, gospel and country music, and took up dancing. He and Jonelle enjoyed going to many dances in Central Nebraska with a group of friends. Norman took his family on numerous camping trips to scenic sites all across America.
Survivors include his wife, Jonelle of Lexington; his children, Lynn (Janice) Lans of Lexington, Lori (Paul) Maloley of Omaha and Jennifer (Steve) Riddell of Elkhorn; seven grandchildren, Justin (Da’Lacy) Lans, Jillian (Justin) Dowdy, Jacey (Austin) Klemm, Ryan (MacKenzie) Maloley, Liz (Nick) Ketcham, Scott and Sarah Riddell; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Dean (Billie Jean) Lans of Stamford; sister, Carolyn (Terry) Hendricks of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Lans of Medford, Oregon and Pat Pentz of Lexington; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Besides his parents, Norman was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Lans; infant brother, Frank; brother, Larry; sister-in-law, Catherine Lans; brothers-in-law, Ron Stafford and Roger Pentz; and a nephew, David Stafford.
A Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Reverend Eddie Mariel, officiating.
A Memorial Book Signing with family receiving friends will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Nebraska Chapter – Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society - Relay For Life of Dawson County.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com