Robert Charles Connell

He was born January 31, 1926, on a farm near Rising City, Nebraska to Clarence Fay & Beulah Gabriella (Harvey) Connell.

He graduated from Bellwood Nebraska High School in 1943 and earned a Regents Scholarship from the University of Nebraska for 1943-44. He also earned a scholarship of $37.50 per year for two years at any of the Nebraska State Teachers Colleges. He used the first semester at Nebraska Wesleyan for Sept. 1943 to Jan 1944. Bob enlisted in the U. S. Navy Air Corps January 15, 1944, and served for 2 years, continuing his education at Central Missouri State Teachers College, Warrensburg Mo 1944-45 and at University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK June 1947. Major in Psychology and member of Psi Chi. In 1947 Bob won the University of Nebraska Intramural Featherweight Boxing Championship.

Bob married Marjorie Pankau on December 6, 1947, and they enjoyed nearly 62 years together until her death in 2009.

As a youngster he worked at a local cattle sale barn earning 10 cents a day and later drove a cab in Columbus, NE for a short while before attending college. After graduating from UNL Bob was employed by Nebraska Dept of Labor, Employment Service as an interviewer, sub-office manager and the Veteran Employment Representative in Lincoln and Lexington NE from 1947 to May 1950. This is how he became aware of the job at the Collection Dept. Credit Bureau of Lincoln and began working there. The name changed in 1958 to the Collection Bureau of Lincoln. Bob was able to purchase the Collection Bureau in 1975 and was President of that company until it was sold in 2012, retiring at the age of 86. During his years with the Collection Bureau of Lincoln Bob was a member and served on the board of numerous businesses, professional, leadership, credit and collection associations and committees. Often times serving as the Director or Chairman of the association. Some to mention are Sunrise Toastmasters Club, Elks Lodge #80, American Legion Post #3, U of N Alumni Association, Eagles Club, Administrative Management Society, Nebraska Collectors Association, Lincoln Retail Credit Association, 6th District Consumer Credit Association, Associated Credit Bureaus of America. 1960-61 he was a member of the Chief Sioux Nation Indian Guides and in 1968 was Chairman on the YMCA Camp Branch and served on the board for Camp Kitaki and Southeast Branch YMCA. One of his all-time favorite organizations was the Downtown Rotary Club #14 after joining in 1966.

Bob enjoyed bowling, golf, quail hunting, fishing, playing cards with friends and Husker football and basketball games. He was a member of the Lincoln Bowling Association and Rainbow Fleet of Lincoln where he owned a cabin on a lake in Fremont, NE for summer activities with family. He slalom waterskied until the age of 81. He was lucky enough to have had two “Hole in One” experiences in Lincoln golf courses. For more the 3 decades he was regularly seen on Saturday night dance floors at Flying V, PLAMOR and Starlight Dance halls.

He is survived by sons & Daughters-in-law: Jim & Doreen Connell, Steve & Zale Connell; daughter & significant other: Tami Connell and Jason Welter. All of Lincoln. 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Also, special companion friend later in life Anita Severe.

Preceded in death by his parents and wife Marjorie; sister Phyllis Lucille Gans and Brother Wayne Harvey Connell.

Service are Monday, December 5th 2 pm at Lincoln Memorial followed by a reception with family in the lower level. Closed casket, no other visitation. No graveside service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice.