Bob attended Hutchinson Jr. College, and later earned degrees from Kansas State-Emporia, Colorado University and the University of Nebraska which all led to and strengthened a career in teaching and education. His career choice was made because of the influence of youth leaders in his YMCA and city recreation work during his high school and college years, and the teachers throughout his life who possessed those qualities which he most admired and which affected him the most.
Bob was drafted after college during the Korean Conflict. Bob and Alice were married in Hutchinson, Kansas on Christmas day, December 25, 1952. Ten days later, Bob left for Yokohama, Japan to serve our country as a communication specialist. After a year and a half separation due to army service, they started family life. Bob and Alice celebrated their 73rd anniversary on Christmas day this past year. Bob’s love for Alice was remarkable. Their marriage was characterized by respect and affection that has served as an inspiration to their children and grandchildren.
Bob’s professional life included being a teacher, administrator, counselor and psychologist. In 1965, Bob, Alice and their four children moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Bob started working as a coordinator for Neighborhood Youth Corp with Lincoln Public Schools (most of us know this as Head Start), the Lincoln Speech and Reading Center (Title 1), and
the Student Services Program, Division of Adult and Continuing Education (Lincoln Technical College).
In 1972 Bob earned his Educational Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Measurement from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He served as a psychologist for Federal Programs as well as in numerous elementary, junior high and high schools throughout LPS.
In 1980 Bob started serving Lincoln High School as a school psychologist, department chair, and resource teacher. He also was the administrator for the SPED summer school program. Bob was very proud to have spent fourteen years at LHS.
In May of 1994, after 29 years of service with LPS and 40 years total in education, Bob retired. According to Bob, “I took a few years off to do stuff!”. He said his plan for retirement was to” turn the page and begin the next chapter”
Two years later, Bob was asked to return to LPS to work as a school psychologist at various schools and to work at East High in that role in order to” help kids focus on their strengths while improving their areas of weakness.”
Bob retired for the second time in 2004, having the pleasure of working 50 years in education! He touched the lives of so many people and made school a good place to be. He was known for his understanding and kindness, his strong dedication to service, and for his commitment to caring for the young people and families of our community.
His insight and attention to detail was unparalleled. His experience developed a natural leadership that was appreciated and respected by many. Bob’s wisdom, objectivity and humor was valued by colleagues and his family. His presence and collaborative manner set a calmer pace and brought soothing and understanding to the numerous people he knew.
After his retirement he enjoyed playing a lot of tennis, running, journaling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and Alice enjoyed walking, bowling, Husker sports, the KC Royals, and traveling.
He was baptized into and a lifelong member of First Christian Church. In Lincoln, he served as a church schoolteacher, a member and chairman of various departments and committees, secretary and editor of The Foundation, as well as serving as a deacon and elder for many years.
Family was Bob’s greatest treasure. “Each has a special talent, which collectively, is the greatest family treasure.” He was a gentle, intelligent, loving father whose guidance was unmatched.
Bob and Alice have four children: Mike (Lynn) Buckner, Lincoln, Ne., Scott (Paula) Buckner, Lincoln, Ne., Kathy (JIm) Stewart, Lincoln, Ne., and Sally (Kyle) Koepp, Wood River, Ne.
Nine grandchildren: Jeff (Jill) Buckner, Urbandale, Ia., Mark (Anna) Buckner, Billings, MT, Jay (Mollie) Stewart, Lincoln, NE, Tyler (Rosalie) Koepp, Hastings, NE., Brynn (Jacob) Kramer, Council Bluffs, IA., Sam (Morgan) Buckner, Lincoln, NE., Lena (Kyle) Hoppner, Lincoln, Ne, Garrett Koepp, Wood River, Nr., and Trevor Koepp, Wood River, Ne; eight great-grandchildren: Caleb, Wyatt, Ashton, Madelyn, Elise, Briggs, Gavin, and Parker.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the outstanding Harbor House memory caregivers and staff at Endless Journeys Hospice. They served not just as caretakers and healthcare workers but also became friends and family to our Dad and have helped us through Bob’s journey with Alzheimer’s. We will always be grateful for their compassionate care, loving spirits and welcoming hearts.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing he was at peace and enveloped in love.
Memorial service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday September 8, 2026, at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Drive).
Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association, 245 S. 84th St., Ste 215, Lincoln, NE 68510 or Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, 5905 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510.
Service Recording: