LSE Faculty Page

Passing of Gail Baum

Gail was born in Lincoln, NE to Vaughn and Irene Baum on September 27, 1936. Graduated from Lincoln High School where he played football and wrestling. Gail lettered all three years and was a member of the 1954 State Football Championship team, which was later inducted into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame, Class of 1955. Gail then attended the University of Nebraska and was a four year letterman in Wrestling, member of the N Club and played on the freshman football team. Gail taught at Gering High School, the Lincoln Southeast for many years. Gail taught Drivers Education and was the Wrestling coach for many years.

Preceded in death by parents; son, Mark; wife, Donna, of 61 years. Survived by daughter, Christee (Dennis) Schroeder; brothers: Rodney (Betty) Baum and Gary (Wendy) Baum; brother-in-law, Leon Parrish; grandchildren: Mindy (Brian) Brose, Tyson (Yennifer) Schroeder; great-grandchildren: Cody and Abigail Brose; nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life for Gail and Donna will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, NE. www.lincolnfh.com

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Mar. 3, 2024.

Passing of Art Hillman

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Art Hillman, retired LSE summing and gymnastics coach, as well as a guidance counselor later in his career. Art impacted so many of us in so many different ways. Art was the only surviving LSE teach from the school's opening in 1955. Art passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023.  Art's daughters, Becky, Sarah, Rachel and Martha, wanted to share the following with other LSE Knights!

The family wanted you all to know their plans to celebrate Art Hillman's life.

  • Visitation:  Thursday January 26th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home located at 4040 A St. in Lincoln.
  • Burial: Our immediate family will have a private burial prior to the services.
  • Services:  Friday, January 27th at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church 2225 Washington St. in Lincoln.    Lunch will follow the services at the church.

We understand that not all of you will be able to attend but know that you are with us in your heart.  The services will be live streamed thru egrace.org.

Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church Foundation 2225 Washington St. Lincoln NE 68502 and Lincoln Southeast High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2930 S. 37th, Lincoln, NE 68506.

 

 

We have been informed of the passing of another one of our math teachers at LSE, Leonard Nickerson. His obituary follows:

Leonard J. Nickerson

January 3, 1936 - October 31, 2022

Leonard J. Nickerson, 86, Lincoln, passed away October 31, 2022 following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born January 3, 1936, in Farnam, Nebraska to Donald and Reba Nickerson, Leonard went on to marry JoAnne Dobesh on June 11, 1956. That union was blessed with four daughters, Cory, Marilee, Kelcy and Lendy. He graduated from Farnam High School and served in the United States Army Medical Corps towards the end of the Korean war. Leonard received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a Master of Arts degree with a major in Mathematics from Boston College and attended Kansas State University to enhance his teaching skills.

Leonard spent his professional career as a math and science teacher. He taught high school students for the Loup City, North Platte and Lincoln school districts with the majority of his career spent at Lincoln Southeast High School. Throughout his career he was a member of the following professional organizations: The Lincoln Education Association, The Nebraska State Education Association, The National Education Association, the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He served 2 terms as faculty representative to the Lincoln Education Association and served one term as treasurer of the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics. During the 1981-82 school year Mr. Nickerson was the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award given by the Capitol City Kiwanis Club and was the recipient of the Mike Troester Outstanding LSE Educator Award. Leonard was well liked, respected and admired by the hundreds of students he worked with over his 36 years of teaching.

He loved being with family, especially the time spent at Mahoney State Park where he and the family most recently celebrated 31 years of gathering at the park. He was always there to help each of his children paint or tackle any project they took on. He was an amazing cook, enjoyed raising a big garden each summer, and was an avid Husker football, basketball, and volleyball fan.

Leonard is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, JoAnne, his daughters, Cory Reed, Kelcy (Brad) Sass, Lendy (Matt) Kesler, sister, Donna (Larry) Swanson, brother Rodney (Lori) Nickerson, and sister-in-law Gwen Ochsner. Leonard is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley (Marc) DuBois, John Fredrickson (Jeff Formanek), Maggie (Alex) Ritter, Tyler (Josephine) Reed, Nickerson (Jacque) Sass, Seth Reed, Avery (Douglas) Clark, and Audrey Kesler. In addition, Leonard was the beloved great-grandpa to Vivienne and Gemma DuBois, Leon Fredrickson-Formanek, Max and Ellyanne Ritter, and Nealey Sass. Leonard was preceded in death most recently by his loving daughter Marilee Fredrickson, his parents Don and Reba Nickerson, in-laws Dick and Shirley Dobesh, sister and brother-in-law Madeline and Harvey Rupe, brother and sister-in-law Elden and Eleanor Nickerson and brother Joe Nickerson.

Rosary will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 6pm, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive. The family will greet visitors following the rosary, 6:30-7:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18 at 10:30am at St. Peters Catholic Church, 4500 Duxhall Street, reception to follow at the church. Memorials can be directed to the family for future establishment of a mathematics scholarship in his name. Condolences online at Roperandsons.com

RIP, Mr. Nickerson.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Harold Baker, one of our math teachers at LSE. His obituary follows:

Harold W. Baker 

March 24, 1929 - September 23, 2022

Harold W. Baker, 93, of Lincoln, passed away on September 23, 2022. He was born on March 24, 1929, in Miller, NE to Ralph R. Baker and Anna M. Saathoff. He was a member of First Christian Church, American Legion Post #3, Bethany Lions Club, Past District Governor of the Nebraska Lions Club, Lincoln Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, and the National Education Association. Harold served as a Special Agent in the Army during the Korean war. He worked as a teacher for 41 years, retiring from LPS in 1993.

Family members include his wife Donna R. Baker of Lincoln; daughter Connie Thompson of Lincoln; sons Rodney Baker of Dacula, GA, Bruce Baker of Lincoln, and Dwain Baker of New Braunfels, TX; 2 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother Perry (Ginny) Baker of Des Moines, IA; and niece Sheila Boykin. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Melva, sister Lavonna Farnsworth, in-laws, Ray Thompson, Jan Baker, and Debra Baker.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26th at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr. Family will greet friends from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 25th at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, to First Christian Church, Lincoln Bethany Lion's Club, or donor's choice. Condolences online at Roperandsons.com

RIP Mr. Baker

 

July 14, 2021 The Atlantic 

Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich retires from Ohio University after 16 Seasons

Ohio University coach Frank Solich, who also spent more than 20 years as an assistant and head coach at Nebraska, is retiring after 16 seasons with the Bobcats to focus on his health, the school announced on Wednesday.

Associate head coach and offensive coordinator Tim Albin will become the new head coach and has agreed to a four-year contract.

"It is time for me to step away to focus on a cardiovascular health issue," said Solich. "I've appreciated the support of Bobcat fans over the years, and I know they will continue to support Coach Albin. After working directly with Tim for 21 consecutive years, including six at the University of Nebraska, it's clear to me he is prepared to continue our work and move the program forward."

Solich, 76, retires with a 173-101 career coaching record, and his 173 wins rank as the fourth most among active NCAA FBS head coaches.

Since joining the Bobcats in 2005, Solich led the program to 12 winning seasons and 11 of their 13 bowl appearances. Albion and Solich reunited in Athens in 2005 when Albion came aboard as the team's offensive coordinator. They previously coached together for four years at Nebraska.

Solich was head coach at Nebraska from 1998 to 2003, amassing a 58-19 record and five bowl appearances.

How did Solich shape Ohio's program?

Jon Greenberg, senior columnist: Five years before Solich got to Athens, the resurgent football program was at its peak. In 2000, the Bobcats went 7-4, winning at Minnesota and running all over then-MAC rival Marshall. But then rebuild architect Jim Grobe went to Wake Forest and the program backslid into irrelevance.

Four years later, in walked Solich. By his second season, the Bobcats were in the MAC championship game and played in their first bowl game since 1968.

As the bowl system expanded, Ohio took advantage, playing in 11 games over Solich's 16 years. Solich, an Ohio native, was the perfect steward of the program, guiding it into the modern age of #MACtion. He won a MAC-record 115 games, but oddly, never a MAC Championship. The Nebraska legend will always be loved on the banks of the Hocking River.

What's his legacy at Nebraska?

Mitch Sherman, Nebraska beat writer: Solich is a key figure in the most notable era of Nebraska football history.

He played running back for coach Bob Devaney and spent 19 seasons as an assistant for Tom Osborne. Solich took over the running backs in 1983 as Mike Rozier won the Heisman Trophy.

Osborne's hand-picked successor, Solich guided the Huskers to their most recent conference title in 1999. His 2001 team produced Heisman winner Eric Crouch and played for a national title in the Rose Bowl.

Solich's legacy is secure in Lincoln as a player, assistant and head coach.

 

 

Robert Stratton Hall, our industrial arts and drafting teacher passed away on May 24, 2021. Those of us lucky enough to have him as a teacher knew him to be a very engaging teacher who really wanted you to master the material. I couldn't help but notice that he was another one of our teachers who served valiantly in WWII. I don't recall him ever talking about it in class, but that was common for that generation. His obituary can be found at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journalstar/name/robert-hall-obituary?pid=198916374

 

We recently learned of the passing of George Eisele, our former math teacher and also the varsity tennis coach.  The announcement of his passing follows:

 

 

We are saddened to learn that our PE teacher and assistant football coach Gary Brichacek passed away on September 6, 2019 in Republic, Missouri of lung cancer. Gary's family has elected to have a celebration of life ceremony in the spring in Wyoming. 

 

 

 

   

We are saddened to learn that Joe Dappen, a much beloved chemistry teacher, as passed away on May 2, 2019. Joe was very active in Habitat for Humanity after his retirement and did much to give back to the community. Many students were positively impacted by this wonderful teacher. His full obituary can be read at (https://journalstar.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/joseph-i-joe-dappen/article_83673a0b-b4bd-5042-b484-ebb892024978.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

 

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Paul R. Austin on September 4, 2018, at the age of 93. Paul was the marching band director, head golf coach and in charge of instrumental music at LSE for many years. His daughter, Gael, has posted a note on the 'What's New' page of this website for those who would like to respond.


We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Wesley Lauterbach, long-time LSE principal, on October 31, 2011. I know many of us have fond memories of him during our tenure at LSE.  His obituary follows:

"Lauterbach, Dr. Wesley Vern, age 82, Lincoln, died October 31, 2011 at his home in Lincoln. He was born January 9, 1929 in Wichita, KS to John G. and Anna L. (Loosley) Lauterbach. Dr. Lauterbach attended Friends University, Wichita, KS, Wichita State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. He was the Principal at Lincoln Southeast High School from 1964 to 1993."


We have invited all of our former faculty to our 40th Reunion. We have received several notes and letters from the faculty that we thought you would like to see:


 

Thanks so much for your invitation to the reunion activities.  I remember well members of your class and would love to join you, however I will be in Colorado for the summer. 
I was sponsor of  Synkra Knights and taught girls Physical Education.  Give my regards to everyone and other teachers who might attend.  I most recently retired from teaching special education for 20 years at Westside High School in Omaha. 

Regards,
Judy Erickson Gaylor LSE class of 1960 


 

Thank you for your invitation to the 40th reunion. Unfortunately, I have had to miss many Knight reunions becase for more than thirty years I have spent my summers at our Colorado cabin. I wish you a successful reunion and with your timely preparation, it will be. Remembering my many fulfilling years teaching English at Southeast, I continue my involvement with education by tutoring students from the Lincoln Literacy Council, helping imigrants to learn English.

My best wishes to all Knights from the class of '71!

Sincerely,

Mary Commers


 

Thanks for the invitation to attend the LSE 40th reunion of the Class of 1971. But since a number of the LSE class reunions take place during the summer months, my wife and I missed going to the majority of those celebrations. The reason for this is that for years it has been a tradition in our family that during th esummer we always make our annual trek to California to visit our kids and grandkids (Mike our boy is a member of the LSE class of 1971).

Therefore, as it looks now, we will not be in town to attend the 40th reunion of the LSE class of 1971 on July 29 and 30, 2011. We are sorry to miss the reunion. I know that you have planned a great program of events. But our age (middle 80s) and in fairly good health we are finding that we have to make choices. It's like that old World War II song that said, "We Don't Get Around Much Any More".

Wishing you a successful 40th Anniversary LSE Reunion!

Don Darnell

  


 

Thank you for the invitation to your class reunion.  I would love to come, however we will be out of town on those dates.  I have great memories of my time on the faculty at LSE , 1963- 1996.  I hope that you all have a wonderful time. 

Fred Smith

 


 

Thank you for your kind, complete and very fun sounding invitation to your 1971 class reunion. I'm so sorry that we will be out of town on those dates, because your plans sound really fun and thoughtful.

Kerstin Van DerVoort

 


On September 7th, 2010, by Brother Larry Fauss passed away.   

Hello, I am Richard, Larry's youngest brother. I graduated from LSE class of '82. A string of Fauss's that attended LSE, including my Brother John who is 7 years older, who is in-between Larry and myself in age.

Larry and LSE, with his journalism teaching, certainly had a profound impact on many student lives, as well as shaping his own future. Larry's destiny led him into strong involvement with the Washington D.C. Close-Up program and instrumental in bringing this important educational program to Nebraska.   I can attest too the impact Larry had with fellow LSE faculty, as several teachers I had too later at LSE (from 80-82), including Bob Hall (architecture - One of my favorite teachers), and Leonard Nickerson (math), just to name a couple, always asked for updates from Larry and to say hello while I attended. Former teacher, Leonard Nickerson, attended Larry's memorial service and had a chance to speak to him in person.

I will be sending you some selected material about Larry's life, post LSE, a little funny snippit about LSE, and what a positive difference maker he was in the young minds of Nebraska students, and the positive difference maker he was for Nebraska and fellow Nebraskans. Hard and fulfilling work that continued right up to the very end.

I felt it was important to make this announcement. I thought you, or someone from your class, might like to share a remembrance with fellow students and faculty members.

I will be getting you additional information within a week.

Sincerely,

Richard Fauss

 


 

The additional information we received on Larry Fauss follows:


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