Donald R. Wesely

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Donald Raymond Wesely, a devoted father, grandfather, partner, friend, and dedicated public servant passed away on March 18, 2025, at the age of 70. Born in 1954 in David City, Nebraska, Don’s life was marked by a deep commitment to both his family and his community.

After his family moved to Lincoln in 1959, Don attended Lincoln Northeast High School, a place he remained passionate about throughout his life (Go Rockets!). He went on to attend the University of Nebraska, where he was honored to be selected to the Chancellor’s Senior Honorary, the Innocents Society, recognizing his leadership and dedication.

In 1978, at the age of 24, Don was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, beginning a remark-able 20-year career in public service. He was re-elected to the Nebraska Legislature four times, serving from 1978 to 1998, becoming one of the youngest and longest-serving State Senators in Nebraska’s history. Don introduced or co-introduced more than 300 legislative bills successfully enacted into law. He was Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee for fourteen years. He also chaired the Retirement, Rules, and Economic Development Committees. His leadership continued as he was elected Mayor of the City of Lincoln in 1999. During his tenure as Mayor, he oversaw significant public works projects that would shape the city for generations, including the development of Haymarket Park, the Antelope Valley Project, and the South Beltway. His unwavering passion for public policy also extended into his role as Senior Vice President at Lindsay Harr Macdonald, where he remained deeply involved in legislative affairs.

For his family, Don was a rock—a guiding light who was always ready with thoughtful ad-vice and a listening ear. He was the first to drop everything to offer support, even if it was just to say hello. Above all else, family came first. He cherished his role as a grandfather, and his grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Don took great joy in playing with them, filling his home with laughter and love. His devotion to his family was steadfast, and the bonds he created will live on as a lasting legacy.

Don was also a loyal and dependable friend. Once you were in his life, you were in it forever. He made it a point to regularly check in with those who meant the most to him—whether it was sending a birthday card or offering a call to someone going through difficult times. His kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Don’s legacy of public service, unwavering devotion to family, and deep commitment to friendship serves as an enduring example for us all. His warmth and generosity touched the lives of many, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Raymond Wesely, and his sister Linda Johnson.

He is survived by his beloved life partner, Michele Casanova; his children, Ashton Wesely, Andrew Wesely (Jane Hartig), and Sarah Wesely Steinkruger (Jay Steinkruger); his cherished grandchildren, Ezra and Evie Wesely Steinkruger; and his brothers and sisters-in-law: James and Kathleen Wesely, David and Sue Wesely, Alan Johnson and Linda Stephen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lux Center for the Arts, honoring his commitment to community enrichment.

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March28

Memorial Service

1:00 pm

First-Plymouth Church

2000 D Street, Lincoln

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April 1, 2025

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Don. He was a good man

– Rod and Debbie Westerlin

April 1, 2025

So very sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a great guy. Don hired me in 2000 to work in the Mayor’s Office. I always held the highest respect for him and it was a pleasure to work for him. He cared very much for his community and his family. I was shocked to hear this news. My heartfelt condolences to his family. You all are in my prayers. Rest in heavenly peace Mayor Wesely.

– Barbara Holder

March 30, 2025

Senator Wesley’s work on behalf of Nebraskans with Disabilities in the 1990s: On behalf of my late husband William (Bill) Rush, I would like to commend Sen. Don Wesley, who was instrumental in supporting Nebraskans will disabilities like Bill. Sen. Wesley was mentioned in our memoir titled, Our Life Our Way, (2019, W. Rush and C. Robinson) because of his importance to our journey to get married, allowing me to keep my income while still receiving Medicaid-funded Attendant Care services. Senator Wesley’s work on the health and human services committee included securing state funding for a Nebraska ‘Buy-In” Programs, allowing individuals with disabilities to work and contribute to the cost of their necessary Medicaid programs (with limits to salaries). His hard work took Nebraskans with Disabilities to the next level after the Americans with Disabilities was past in 1990. Thank you Sen. Wesley for all that you did for Bill (and for me)! Christine Robinson Widow of William (Bill) L. Rush

– Christine F. Robinson

March 29, 2025

On behalf of my late husband William (Bill) Rush, I wish to remember Sen. Wesley for all that he did for Nebraskans with Disabilities in the 1990s. We wrote about Sen Wesley in Our Life Our Way (2019), our memoir, to commend him for his tireless work on the NE health and human services committee, to advance the dreams of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sen Wesley was instrumental in bringing “Buy In” programs for individuals with disabilities, who needed state sponsored medical services, to be able to work and contribute toward the cost of their services. Bill was, and I continue, to be grateful for the dedication and hard work that Sen Wesley did for Nebraskans with disabilities. He greatly impacted our lives.

– Christine Robinson

March 27, 2025

I had the pleasure of meeting Don about 30 years ago. From that day forward, we were friends. I truly admired him because he was a true Statesman, always being driven by a desire to meet the needs of the people. Our world was better because he was here. He will truly be missed! Rest in Paradise 🙏🏾

– Brenda J. Council

March 27, 2025

A trusted friend for over 50 years, Dan was special. We enjoyed the university, politics, social activities, and even professional opportunities. May the memories provide strength and comfort in his loss. Regards –

– Scott Cook

March 25, 2025

In reflecting on Don’s engagement with the world and with those he met on the way, I turn to Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and his Song of the Open Road which concludes; Allons! the road is before us! It is safe–I have tried it—my own feet have tried it well–be not detain’d! Let the paper remain on the desk unwritten, and the book on the shelf unopened! Let the tools remain in the workshop! Let the money remain unearned! Let the school stand! mind not the cry of the teacher! Let the preacher preach in his pulpit! let the lawyer plead in the court, and the judge expound the law. Comerado, I give you my hand! I give you my love more precious than money! I give you myself before preaching or law; Will you give me yourself? will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live? For Don, the answer was alway Yes.

– Vard Johnson

March 24, 2025

For more than 40 years, Don Wesley was my brother, Bruce Anderson’s best friend. Along with Martin Neberman and Steve Ferguson, they met in high school and recognized the same goofy, fun loving personalities in each other and became a group of guys who even as life took them in different directions, kept the friendship active. Don stood out, not only because of his red hair and height but also because he was intelligent and quick-witted (so fast with comments and jokes, it was hard to keep up). But more than that, Don was empathetic and caring. Once you became his friend, he would be there for the good and the bad that life bestowed on people. When my brother, Bruce, was diagnosed with a fatal muscle-wasting disease and had to move into a nursing home at the age of 57, Don was right there at Bruce’s side for more than 7 years, Don made it a priority to visit my brother every Sunday night. Don spent those hours listening when necessary, watching TV shows with Bruce, but mostly telling jokes and stories to make Bruce laugh (and possibly spew some beer through his nose if the story was funny enough). And anyone who knew Don, knew he had a hilarious and pretty filthy sense of humor and also a loud voice. During one of my visits with Bruce, Don and I had to wait in the hall while a nurse attended to my brother. Don was in the middle of a wonderfully funny but also dirty story when the woman in the room next to Bruce tottered out to the hallway. She slowly looked at Don up and then down. “You were our mayor, right?” she said. “Yes,” he said. “ H-m-p-h.”she said,”keep your voice down,” and tottered away. Don and I broke out in uncontrollable laughter like two naughty ten-year olds. Even at 65, Don’s humor was irrepressible! My brother was lucky to have such a steadfast, loyal friend. I was lucky to get to know Don over the 7 years of my brother’s illness and existence in the nursing home. And even after my brother’s death in 2017, Don continued to keep in touch with me, remembering important dates in my brother’s life, sending photos or just checking on me. Don Wesley was that rare man: caring and giving to all whose lives touched his. I miss him already.

– Eileen Anderson Gardner

March 24, 2025

Don epitomized public service, not only with his twenty years of distinguished service to the people of Nebraska as an outstanding State Senator and his transformational service as Lincoln’s mayor, but in his decades as a lobbyist in the Capitol, as well as his continued engagement and support of local issues. I shall be forever grateful for Don’s caring friendship and wise counsel. Thank you, Don.

– Carl Eskridge

March 24, 2025

Don and I were at UNL together, and we had contacts during the years since. He even came to Pawnee City for dinner once when I was back. Knowing him, and our friendship, has been one of the great blessings of my life. Condolences to his family. You were so lucky to have him for awhile.

– Bill Latza

March 23, 2025

Don was close and dear friend. We meet the first year of his legislative session. Once a friend with Don always a friend and occasional he would send you pictures of the wonderful times we had together. Thank you Don for being my friend.

– Marj Shomshor

March 22, 2025

I was very sad to hear of Don’s passing. He has a wonderful family, I used to see his kids in the hallways of Northeast, they were a beautiful tribute to their parents. God speed.