Stephen H. Leeper DDS, 83, of Lincoln, NE passed away on July 14, 2019. He was born September 29, 1935 in Hastings, NE to Hubert and Harriet (Hopper) Leeper. He earned his degree, first in his class, in 1959. He worked 37 years at his alma mater, the UNMC College of Dentistry, the final 10 years as Dean. He also served as President of JDRF International and Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honorary. Beyond these important leadership positions, his other passions were family, the Cornhuskers, and fly-fishing.
Steve was active in several local and national organizations, including Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and President of the Executive Club, He was proud to have selected to be a fellow in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church providing a robust bass for the choir. He coached his son in Little Chiefs, explaining how his son started at second base each season. He loved genealogy and history, tracing the roots of his family through the War of 1812, the Revolutionary War, and assorted spots in England, Scotland, and Denmark. In retirement, he enjoyed OLLI courses and filed insurance claims for MilkWorks.
Surviving family include his wife of 60 years Jan Leeper of Lincoln, NE, daughter Kathy Leeper, MD and her husband Scott Rasmussen, MD of Lincoln, NE, son Mark Leeper, PhD and his wife Karen Leeper, PhD of Shreveport, LA; five grandchildren, Laura and Tom Rasmussen, and Emily, Hannah, and Wyatt Leeper; and brother David Leeper and his wife Elke of San Tan, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family is indebted to Nanette Erickson, Linda Munden, and the Monarch, especially Barb for their professional and tender care in his final months.
Memorials can be sent to the Drs. Stephen H. & Hubert J. Leeper Scholarship Fund for the UNMC College of Dentistry, via the University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1650 S. 70th St., #201, 68506; or Lincoln Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, attn: Pam Fink 6310 South St. Lincoln, NE 68506
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Roper and Son’s South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr.