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Arthur Dean Tesarek, age 96 of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, passed away peacefully April 16, 2026, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Born on August 9, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, Arthur was the son of Joseph and Anna (Kohout) Tesarek. 

Art graduated from South High School in Omaha in 1948. HE honorably served in the United States Army, enlisting on July 14, 1952, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, and was discharged as a Corporal on July 2, 1954. Following his military service, Arthur married the love of his life, Edith Williams, on May 23, 1953. Together, they raised four children: Karen, Nancy, Douglas, and David.

For 26 years, Arthur worked as a mail handler with Union Pacific Railroad, exemplifying dedication and hard work. After his time at Union Pacific, he continued to contribute to the community in various capacities, including 20 years with the Plattsmouth Schools Maintenance Department and later in retirement at Wheeler's/Country General in the garden department.

Art was an active member of the Leper Wolever Post #2543 VFW, where he served as Commander for three years and Quartermaster for eight years, also participating as a member of the Honor Guard. His civic engagement extended beyond the VFW; he was elected to the Plattsmouth City Council, serving for an impressive 20 years until his retirement in 2012, a tenure that culminated in receiving a Key to the City from the Mayor. He was also a founding member of the Cass County Crimestoppers and dedicated 35 years to the Omaha Fish and Wildlife organization. In 2014, he was honored as King of the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival and recognized as a Lord of the Realm within the Corn Club, having run the Corn Palace with Edith for many years.

Art had a passion for the outdoor life, enjoying activities such as bowling, gardening, cultivating flowers, hunting, and fishing.

 He is survived by his daughters, Karen Tesarek-Parsons; and Nancy (John) Lowery, both of Plattsmouth; sons, Douglas (Karen) Tesarek of Beaver Lake; and David (JoAnn) Tesarek of Murray. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jacob (Sian) Parsons, Rachel (Jeremy) Tucker, Kelly (Chaz) Macrander, Kyle Fitzpatrick, Andrea (Frank) Manning, Hunter (fiancée Michaela Love) Tesarek, Zachary Tesarek, Trevor Tesarek, and Grant Tesarek; and his great-grandchildren: Cash and Drake Macrander, and Arya and Maisie Parsons. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Leonard Williams, sisters-in-law, Shirley Williams Dixie Williams and Sandy Williams along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom will fondly remember him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Tesarek, wife, Edith Tesarek, brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Alice Tesarek and son-in-law, Dale Parsons. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth with Rev. Matt Coplen officiating. 

Visitation will be Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with family greeting friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Harvey Funeral Home. 

Burial with full Military Honors will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

Memorials may be directed to the Lepert-Wolver Post #2543 VFW Scholarship Fund. 

Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, Nebraska 402-296-4445