Cover photo for Gary Lacey's Obituary
Gary Lacey Profile Photo
1942 Gary 2020

Gary Lacey

October 2, 1942 — January 2, 2020

Gary Eugene Lacey, 77, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died January 2, 2020 at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg, NE.

Gary Eugene Lacey was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on October 2, 1942. After graduating from Scottsbluff High School he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he studied journalism. He was editor of the Daily Nebraskan and a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for the Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale, IL before enlisting in the Army. Gary spent two years serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War.


During his time in Thailand Gary became interested in law and when he returned home, he enrolled in law school at the University of Nebraska. He worked for the office of the Lancaster County Attorney for 35 years, 20 of them as County Attorney. His work as a prosecutor inspired the passion he had for helping others and advocating for those in need. He was proud of the role he played in establishing the Child Advocacy Center in Lincoln, which has aided many child victims of abuse and their families. His life and career were devoted to helping others and making Lancaster County a better place.


Gary was involved with numerous civic organizations during his lifetime. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln and attended Gothenburg Presbyterian Church. He served on the National District Attorneys Association board and the YMCA board. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and the Masons.


In his free time and retirement Gary loved travel, photography, his dogs, cooking (especially his famous chili), reading, staying connected with friends online, and spending time with his six grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father Harold Lacey, his mother Chelsa Hiatt Lacey, and his sister Beverly Calvert. He is survived by Janet England, his wife of 27 years, son David Lacey and his partner Heather James (Portland, OR) daughter Anne Lacey and husband Nate Hofer (Overland Park, KS), stepson Matthew Kolbeck and wife Sarah (New Buffalo, MI), stepdaughter Anna and husband Matt Dalrymple (Gothenburg, NE), and grandchildren Audrey Lacey, Graham Hofer, Reid Hofer, Mya Kolbeck, Jeffery Dalrymple, and Lucas Dalrymple.


Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 10:00 am, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1020 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE, with Pastor David Boyd officiating. Burial will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Child Advocacy Center, 5025 Garland St, Lincoln, NE 68504.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Lacey, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

First Presbyterian Church

, Gothenburg, NE 69138

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment following funeral service

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

South St, Maxwell, NE 69151

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 105

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree