Bruce Lauritzen Obituary, Cause Of Death: What Happened to Nebraska Omaha Businessman?
Bruce Lauritzen, a visionary business and philanthropic leader who had an immense impact on the city of Omaha and the state of Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the age of 81. His death was announced by the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), where he served as chairman emeritus and led the bank for more than 55 years.
Early Life and Education
Lauritzen was born in Omaha in 1943, the son of Herman and Dorothy Lauritzen. He graduated from Brownell-Talbot School and Harvard College and joined the family business in 1968.
Business Career and Achievements
He became president of FNBO in 1976, chairman and CEO in 1986, and chairman emeritus in 2016. Under his leadership, the bank experienced tremendous growth, expansion to six new states, and construction of the FNBO Business Park and the First National Tower, the tallest building in Nebraska.
Lauritzen was also the chairman of Lauritzen Corporation, which owns and operates bank branches in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as insurance and financial companies. He was a member of the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Corporation, Peter Kiewit Sons’, and Valmont Industries. He was also a trustee of the Joslyn Art Museum, the Omaha Symphony, the Omaha Community Foundation, and the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Bruce Lauritzen Obituary
| Name | Bruce Lauritzen |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1943 |
| Date of death | February 21, 2024 |
| Occupation | Businessman, banker, philanthropist |
| Family | Wife Gerry, son Clark, daughter-in-law Liz, grandchildren and great-grandchildren |
| Achievements | First chairman of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, leader of the Lauritzen Corporation, owner of FNBO, contributor to Omaha’s Heritage Services, recipient of the UNMC Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award |
| Legacy | Left a tremendous impact on the city of Omaha, the Nebraska Medicine health system, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center |
Philanthropic Contributions and Recognition
Lauritzen was a generous and visionary philanthropist, who supported many causes and organizations in Omaha and beyond. He was the first chairman of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, and helped shape the health care system that serves the region. He and his family donated $50 million to Nebraska Medicine in 2013, the largest gift in its history, to support the construction of the Lauritzen Outpatient Center, which opened in 2016. He also contributed to the development of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, the Durham Research Center, and the Lauritzen Gardens.
Lauritzen was a founding member of Heritage Services, a group of civic-minded business leaders who have raised more than $1 billion for community projects in Omaha, such as the Holland Performing Arts Center, the TD Ameritrade Park, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and the Omaha Children’s Museum. He also supported education, arts, culture, and social services through the Bruce and Gerry Lauritzen Family Foundation, which he established with his wife, Gerry.
Lauritzen was widely recognized and honored for his achievements and contributions. He received the Horatio Alger Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame Award, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, and the UNMC Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, among others. He also received honorary degrees from Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Death Cause and Survivors
Lauritzen passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home in Omaha. He is survived by his wife, Gerry, his son, Clark, who is the current chairman and president of FNBO, his daughter, Laura, his brother, Ken, and his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He is remembered as a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a compassionate man who had a great deal of respect and love for his family and commitment to his community.
