September 16, 1948 – November 21, 2020
Born in Lincoln, NE
Resided in Lincoln, NE
Daniel (Dan) Ray Washburn
Daniel (Dan) Ray Washburn, age 72, died November 21, 2020. Born September 16, 1948, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Donald and Merna (Bargstadt) Washburn of Memphis, NE.
He was a hard worker, storyteller and valued building relationships and serving his community. He married Katherine (Kathy) Smollen on September 20, 1969, and later moved to Gretna, NE, where he spent 41 years before moving to Lincoln.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Dan belonged to several Gretna civic groups and the city planning board. He enjoyed serving as volunteer for events sponsored by the Gretna American Legion, Optimist Club and Boy Scouts, especially when something like cooking pancakes or working a picnic or fish fry was involved. He was a founding member of the Gretna Chamber of Commerce in 1984 and served on the 1986 Gretna Centennial executive committee. For his lifetime of service to the community, he was recognized by the Gretna Chamber as the Gretna Citizen of the Year in 2019. He spent 34 years working alongside Kathy as an American Family Insurance agent in Gretna and Ashland before retiring in 2010.
Shortly before his retirement, Dan took up competitive barbecue cooking, joining the Greater Omaha BBQ Society (GOBS), and found success by winning many state and regional competitive BBQ awards. Even in retirement, he continued to volunteer for his homeowner’s association and at the Thomas Riverside Acres community. Dan never met a stranger and was always quick with a story or joke and loved finding connections with people through friends he had known over the years.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Washburn, son Andy (Ashley) Washburn, and grandchildren Evan and Claire Washburn, all of Lincoln; his four siblings, Douglas (Barb) Washburn, Shari (Dave) Nygren, Beverly (Mark) Hohensee, all of Ashland, and D. Scott Washburn of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother-in-law Bill Smollen of Omaha; and sister-in-law Paula (John) Cusano of Newfield, New York. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and other family members. Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Merna, and parents-in-law Paul and Virginia Smollen.
Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed towards the family for future designation.
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We are dear friends with D.Scott. He always talks about his family in Nebraska, and is a proud brother, uncle and great uncle. Our deepest sympathies to the entire Washburn family. We will keep you all in ournthoughts and prayers
I appreciate your kind words. I know my brother-in-law, Scott, talks of his relatives in Nebraska and we also talk of him in Vegas. He is a super brother-in-law and I am very close to him. He is keeping close tabs on me and has been in touch with me often.
I am so very sad to hear this. Dan and I first met in kindergarten at District 5. He was a good friend and could always make me laugh. Until we meet again old friend.
I’ve heard from high school classmates of Dan’s but you are the first one that has said you were in school together at District 5. Thank you for reaching out to me at this time.
I am very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. We were in the same graduating class and I remember him as being a very nice person with a ready smile. My
condolences to his family and friends.
I’ve heard from quite a few classmates of Dan’s. Thank you for your kind words.
All my love and sympathy Kathy and Andy. Rice , Gary, now Dan. God is gathering His flock! I will miss Dan. Please keep in touch. All my love!!!
I will definitely stay in touch. I have my moments. I’m just so glad we moved to Lincoln and that Andy and his family are close. Kathy
I always remember Dan’s big smile. May God give you his peace
Thank you. Kathy
Thank you, Cheryl.
Kathy…..Scott told me about Dan….so sorry to hear!!! I always loved spending time you 2 when you were in Vegas; prayers to you and all…stay strong and always be thankful for your time together. xoxo Doug
Doug, thanks so much for your kind words. It’s been tough at times, but Andy and his family are nearby. Kathy
Dear Kathy, how saddened we are to hear this. We have such WONDERFUL memories wrapped up with you & Dan and wills always remember fondly those laughter-filled times. We send our love to you & Andy.
Sandi and Arlo, yes we had some great times and lots of laughs over the years at American Family functions. Dan became ill with Covid and we have no idea how he became exposed as we rarely went out and always followed the guidelines. I’m just grateful we moved to Lincoln as Andy and his family are close by. Kathy
My most sincere condolences. Dan will be missed by many.
Thank you.
Dan was our insurance man for many years. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. My sympathies to Kathy and Andy and the entire Washburn family.
Thank you, Susan, for your kind words. Losing husbands is not easy. I’m just grateful we moved to Lincoln and Andy and his family are nearby.
We were neighbors to the Washburns in Memphis. I used to babysit for Dan & Doug, and loved those ornery little boys. Only recently, I saw Dan’s name on Facebook and was able to visit on-line. I am so sorry to hear of his death.
Marcia, thank you for your kind words. Dan was still ornery. Kathy
Our deepest sympathy to you, Kathy. You were lucky to have Dan in your life. Peace to you and your family.
Thank you Miles and Joyce. Kathy
Sending my deepest sympathy to all of Dan’s family. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I am a distant cousin of Dan’s and have many fond memories of him. I hope your good memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. My prayers are for all of you.
Thank you for your kind words. I checked with Shari to see how you are related. Losing him due to this dreadful virus was tough. Kathy
I served for many years with Dan on the Gretna Planning Board. He always had Gretna’s best interest at heart. It was an honor to serve with him. My condolences to Kathy and the family. Jim Leslie
Was nice to hear from you, Jim. I have received many messages from the Gretna community. Kathy
I am so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. I have such fond memories of Dan….from working with him at the insurance office, to fishing, to him taking my photos for my wedding! Most of all, I valued his mentoring and support. He was more like my big brother! My love and prayers to both Kathy and Andy! Lori
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lori. We lost him due to this dreadful virus and have no idea how he became exposed. I’m just very glad that we had moved to Lincoln as Andy as his family live very close by and I have leaned on him quite a bit.