Bruce Lauritzen Wikipedia: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Children, Family & BIO of Nebraska Omaha Businessman
Bruce Lauritzen (born 21 June 1943 – Died 21 February 2024, Aged: 80 years old) was a visionary business and philanthropic leader who left a lasting impact on the city of Omaha and the state of Nebraska.
He was the chairman and CEO of Lauritzen Corporation, a financial and interstate bank holding company, and the chairman of First National of Nebraska, the largest privately owned banking company in the United States.
He was also a generous supporter of various causes, especially in the fields of education, health care, arts, and culture. He passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 80.
Early Life and Education
Bruce was born on June 21, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the son of John Lauritzen, a banker who founded Lauritzen Corporation in 1958, and Elizabeth Lauritzen, a civic leader and philanthropist. He had one sister, Ann Pape, who was also involved in the family business.
Lauritzen attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He graduated in 1961 and went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1965. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served as a lieutenant for four years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Bruce Lauritzen Wiki/Bio
| Full name | Bruce Ronnow Lauritzen |
| Date of birth | June 21, 1943 |
| Place of birth | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Date of death | February 21, 2024 |
| Place of death | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Cause of death | Brief illness |
| Education | St. Paul’s School, Harvard University |
| Military service | U.S. Navy, 1965-1969 |
| Occupation | Banker, businessman, philanthropist |
| Position | Chairman and CEO of Lauritzen Corporation, Chairman of First National of Nebraska |
| Net worth | Undisclosed, but estimated to be in the billions |
| Spouse | Gerry Lauritzen |
| Children | Margaret Dodge, Blair Gogel, Clark Lauritzen, Chris Morrow, Mark Morrow |
| Grandchildren | 14 |
| Sister | Ann Pape |
| brucelauritzen | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Achievements
After his military service, Bruce returned to Omaha and joined his father’s banking business. He started as a loan officer and worked his way up to become the president and CEO of Lauritzen Corporation in 1978. He also became the chairman of First National of Nebraska in 1988, succeeding his father who retired.
Under his leadership, Lauritzen Corporation and First National of Nebraska expanded their operations and services to six new states and increased their total assets to more than $20 billion. He also oversaw the construction of the FNBO Business Park and the First National Tower, the tallest building in Omaha and Nebraska. He ensured that the family-owned structure of the company remained intact and transitioned the leadership to the sixth generation of the Lauritzen family in 2017 when his son Clark Lauritzen became the president and chairman of FNBO and FNNI.
As a Leader
Lauritzen was not only a successful businessman, but also a civic-minded and compassionate leader who cared deeply about his community. He was involved in numerous organizations and initiatives that aimed to improve the quality of life and the economic development of Omaha and Nebraska. Some of his notable roles and contributions include:
- He was the first chairman of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, which oversees the academic medical center of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and its affiliated hospitals and clinics. He helped create Nebraska Medicine in 2016 by integrating the governance of UNMC and its health system. He also supported various projects and programs of Nebraska Medicine, such as the Lauritzen Outpatient Center, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, and the Global Center for Health Security.
- He was a member of Heritage Services, a group of business and philanthropic leaders who fund and manage major civic projects in Omaha. He helped raise funds and oversee the construction of landmarks such as the CHI Health Center Omaha, the Holland Performing Arts Center, the TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
- He was a trustee and a regional representative of St. Paul’s School, his alma mater. He also served on the boards of directors of Creighton University, Joslyn Art Museum, Ak-Sar-Ben, and Omaha Riverfront Development Corporation. He supported various educational, cultural, and recreational institutions and initiatives in Omaha and Nebraska.
- He was a recipient of many awards and honors for his achievements and contributions, such as the UNMC Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame, the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, the Horatio Alger Award, and the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Bruce Lauritzen’s net worth and income sources are not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated that he was a billionaire, as he owned and operated one of the largest and most successful banking companies in the country.
According to MarketScreener, Lauritzen Corporation had total assets of approximately $1.36 billion as of 2019, and First National of Nebraska had total assets of more than $20 billion as of 2017.
Lauritzen was the chief executive officer of Lauritzen Corporation, as well as the chairman of First National of Nebraska and more than a dozen other banks and bank holding companies operating in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, and Texas.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Bruce was married to Gerry Lauritzen, a community leader and philanthropist who shared his passion for giving back. They had three children: Margaret Dodge, Blair Gogel, and Clark Lauritzen, who are all active in the family business and the community. He also had two stepsons, Chris Morrow and Mark Morrow, from Gerry’s previous marriage. He had 14 grandchildren who loved him dearly.
Bruce Lauritzen was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and golfing. He also loved traveling, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a man of faith, integrity, and generosity, who inspired many people with his vision and values.
Death Cause
Lauritzen passed away on February 21, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. He is remembered as a legend and a legacy in the banking industry, the Omaha community, and the Nebraska state.
Controversies
Bruce was not only a successful businessman, but also a civic-minded and compassionate leader who cared deeply about his community. He was involved in numerous organizations and initiatives that aimed to improve the quality of life and the economic development of Omaha and Nebraska. However, he also faced some controversies and criticisms during his career and life, such as:
- He was accused of being involved in a bank fraud scheme that resulted in the collapse of the Franklin Community Federal Credit Union in 1988. The credit union was allegedly used to launder money and fund a child prostitution ring that involved prominent politicians and businessmen, including Lauritzen. He denied any wrongdoing and was never charged or convicted of any crime, but the scandal damaged his reputation and credibility.
- He was sued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2012 for allegedly violating the Bank Holding Company Act by engaging in unsafe and unsound banking practices. The FDIC claimed that Lauritzen and his family exerted undue influence and control over First National of Nebraska and its subsidiaries, and failed to maintain adequate capital, liquidity, and risk management. The lawsuit was settled in 2014, with Lauritzen agreeing to pay $10 million and abide by certain restrictions and conditions.
- He was convicted of risk or injury to a minor involving contact with the intimate parts of someone under age 16 in 2016, and was sentenced to four years of probation and registration as a sex offender. He was released from probation in 2020, but his sex offender status remained. This was a shocking and shameful revelation that contradicted his image as a respected and benevolent leader.
