Dennis E. Jeppson

Dennis E. Jeppson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on December 4, 1941, on the family farm near Bancroft, Nebraska, to Theodore and Laura (Morse) Jeppson. He was the youngest of four brothers and grew up on the family farm. He attended country school and graduated from Bancroft High School in 1960.

After graduating from high school, Dennis worked in Pender to earn money for college. He attended Wayne State College and then enlisted in the Army Reserve. Following his service, Dennis began working at Wilson Trailer Company in Sioux City, Iowa. He then earned an Associate Degree in Surveying and Drafting Technology from Southeast Community College in Milford in 1968.

Dennis married the love of his life, Leann Heineman, on June 25, 1967 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender, Nebraska. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. They made their home in Wahoo, Nebraska and were blessed with three children. They resided in a few homes and then built their forever home. Dennis did a lot of the work himself.

Dennis started a job which began a career for him at Johnson, Erickson, O’brien (JEO). Dennis was the sixth person on the staff in a three-room building along Highway 77. Through his dedication and talent, Dennis rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Transportation Engineering. He became a stockholder in the company and served on the Board of Directors for 15 years. Dennis retired in 2006 after 38 years, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and mentorship.

Over the years, Dennis enjoyed tinkering around with cars and woodworking. He installed a wood stove in the house, made several end tables and even mad a grandfather clock. He loved to play cards, especially Sheephead. He enjoyed playing golf as well as a good bottle of wine. He also was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and helped maintain the lawn.

Retirement brought a new chapter of adventure for Dennis and Leann. Together, they explored the world—traveling to Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia, China, Cuba, Roatan, and most of the states. These journeys brought them joy and deepened the bond they shared.

When they were not traveling the world, Dennis enjoyed time spent with family. He really enjoyed renting cabins at Platte River State Park for his children and grandchildren. The family enjoyed hiking, campfires, cards, fishing, and the melodrama performances.

Dennis is lovingly remembered by his wife Leann of Wahoo; their children Kristine (Chris) Lane of Lincoln, Kevin (Fronia) Jeppson of Lincoln, and Kara (Shawn) Dostal of Omaha; his brother Norman Jeppson of Wakefield; and nine treasured grandchildren: Fox (Hannah) Lane, Gwenyth Lane, Jillian Lane, Parker Jeppson, Leighton Jeppson, Jordan Jeppson, Cole Dostal, Jacob Dostal, and Riley Dostal.

He is reunited in peace with his parents, Theodore and Laura, his brothers Ivan and Harlan, and sisters-in-law Kathaleen and Darlene.

A Visitation will be held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials in Dennis’s honor may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or Platte River State Park.

Dennis will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and the deep love he held for his family and community.