Ryan Andrew Lauenstein, 40, of Waverly, Nebraska, passed away on February 4, 2021. He was a System Control Supervisor at Lincoln Electric System (LES) and a devoted family man. His death has left a void in the hearts of many who knew and loved him.
A Passionate Career at LES
Ryan was born on March 24, 1980 in York, Nebraska to Daniel and Marla (Robare) Lauenstein. He grew up in Geneva, Nebraska, where he attended school and was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Christ. He enjoyed playing baseball with cousins while his dad coached the team. Hunting, four wheelers, and go carts were some of his favorite pastimes with friends.
Ryan graduated from Geneva High School and dreamt of farming after school, but God had another plan for him and he attended Utility Line Technician School at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. While in high school and college, Ryan regularly worked on the Lovegrove farm. His passion for farming never faded throughout the years.
After utility line school, Ryan completed his summer co-op at LES in May 2001 and eventually was hired on as an apprentice line technician in May 2002. He earned his Journeyman in October 2006 and became a Night Service Technician from May 2007 to May 2013. He then moved to a Senior Transmission Distribution System Operator from May 2013 to April 2018. Ryan accepted a position as Coordinator in Transmission and Distribution Outage in April 2018 before becoming the Supervisor of System Control in June 2019.
Ryan’s service at LES was more than just a job; it was his whole life. He was gifted, smart, and talented beyond his years during his 20-year career there. He was respected and admired by his colleagues and supervisors for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication.
A Loving Family Man
Ryan married Carla on November 4, 2006 in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. They enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and to the Ozarks and boating with the Saathoff family. He and Shaun talked for countless hours about his dream of owning his own Cigarette Boat one day.
Ryan adopted Tyler and Whitney as his own on August 26, 2008 and they were also blessed with Gracie and Hallie on September 15, 2008. Ryan was a wonderful provider to his family and took care of things in the finest detail. He loved working outside and in his yard. He took great pride in making things look beautiful.
Ryan enjoyed coaching Tyler in T-ball and attending hundreds of baseball and volleyball games throughout the years. Ryan enjoyed attending Tyler’s softball games and recently traveled with him to Kansas City which he greatly enjoyed and loved seeing Tyler’s passion for the game.
Ryan’s blood ran Husker red and one of his best days was watching Whitney accept an offer and commit to the University of Nebraska to play volleyball. She will always be his favorite Husker.
Ryan also adored his twin daughters Gracie and Hallie who were daddy’s girls through and through. He loved spending time with them, playing games, watching movies, or just cuddling on the couch.
Ryan was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend as well. He was predeceased by his father Daniel Lauenstein; his grandparents Gordon Robare, Julia Robare, Joan Robare, Vernon and Eva Jean Lauenstein; his nephew Carson Potter; and his close friends Ryan Christo and Bryan Wintz.
He is survived by his mother Marla Lauenstein (Robare); his wife Carla; his children Tyler, Whitney, Gracie and Hallie; his sister Andrea Steitz; his nieces Madelynn, Claire and Ellayna Potter; his siblings-in-law Eric and Bridget Schultz; his nephews Austin, Bryson and Cooper Schultz; and his parents-in-law Dave and Diane Schultz. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Ryan’s funeral service was held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. The service was livestreamed for those who could not attend in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan was buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to donor’s choice or to the family for later designation were requested by the family.
Ryan’s obituary can be found on several websites such as Echovita, Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home, Top Info Guide, or Lincoln Journal Star.
Ryan Andrew Lauenstein will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was a kind, generous, and loving person who touched many lives. He left behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and compassion. He will always be remembered as a hero, a leader, and a friend. Rest in peace, Ryan.
