Loren Odell Fraser

Loren Odell Fraser, age 90 of Omaha and a former resident of Columbus, NE. died on February 4, 2019 at Esprit Whispering Ridge Center in Omaha. He was born the son of Walter and Myra (Richison) Fraser on June 15, 1928 in Bladen, NE. He grew up in Bladen and Hastings. He graduated from Hastings High in 1946. After serving two years in the Army in the Korean War, he graduated as a Registered Nurse from Mary Lanning School of Nursing in Hastings. He received his Nurse Anesthetist Certificate from Creighton Memorial St, Joseph Hospital in Omaha in 1964. He and his wife, Evelyn Fraser moved their family to Columbus, NE in 1964 where they lived until 2013 when they moved to Omaha. On December 26, 1953, Loren was united in marriage with Evelyn Hightree at Lyons Memorial Methodist Church in Lyons, NE. Loren and Evelyn were married for 64 years until her death on June 21, 2018. He served as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at the Columbus Hospital until his retirement in 1993. After retirement, he either drove or served as RN on the ambulance for Midwest Medical Transport Co. Loren was very involved in many activities in Columbus. He coached two of his three sons in baseball. American Legion baseball was his passion. Loren served as Post Commander for American Legion Hartman Post 84 in 1984. He was chair of baseball for the Legion, and was instrumental in building the press box at the Legion Field. He spent many hours announcing games, keeping book, preparing the field and running the concession stand for games, long after his boys stopped playing baseball. His children often accompanied him to games; Jenny learned to keep book and spent many hours by his side. Loren supported his children in their sports and activities, attending many games and events, and cheering them on. He continued to cheer on the Columbus Discoverers long after his children graduated. He loved sports. Loren and Evelyn were avid fans of the Huskers and Kansas City Royals. Faith was important to Loren. He and Evelyn were active members of First United Methodist Church in Columbus. Loren was very involved in Methodist Men. He served on many committees of the church, including staff parish relations committee and the building committee for the church remodel. On Sundays, he loved giving the children’s sermons, often doing puppet shows to teach lessons of the Bible. He supported Camp Fontanelle over the years. Loren was a very social person; enjoying golfing with friends, going to pie and coffee with Evelyn and friends, and gathering together for special occasions. He was one of the founders of the Sheep Herders 4-H Club and led an Explorers Post at the hospital. He supported Evelyn with her 4-H club, and built many fair booths. Many of his caregivers at Esprit shared stories of his impact on them. He taught his children to love and care for others. His children and their families were important to him and he loved family gatherings. He was great with children and had a special place in his heart for his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Loren was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Fraser; his parents Walter and Myra Richison; sister Shirley Doss and brother-in-law Keith Doss; brother Neil Fraser. He is survived by his children: Mary (Ray) Meints of Omaha, Jeff (Anna) Fraser of Lincoln, Rod (Terri) Fraser of Olathe, KS, Bryan (Julie) Fraser of Elkhorn and Jennifer (Kip) Meyer of Blair; eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Loren Odell Fraser

June 15, 1928 - February 4, 2019