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.
Memorial Service
1:00 pm
First-Plymouth Church
2000 D Street, Lincoln
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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
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
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
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
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.
– Steve Burbach
Don Wesely was and very nice man and accomplished many things in his career, but what I liked best about Don when he was your friend he was your friend. Not many people in todays world are like that anymore
– Tom Richards Papillion Ne
Don and I were classmates at LNE high school both class of 1972. Rest In Peace Don.
– DJ Hogan
I knew Don from Northeast High School, graduating in 1972, next time we met was at Goodyear time clock in 1974, he was greeting each employee and as king for their vote, and it worked, he became one of the youngest State Senators in Nebraska history. His hard work translated into productive legislation, and he helped all of us, plus his work and family will be his greatest legacy, I’ll miss him.
– Scott D Bergfeld MD MPH
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