David "Dave" R Lanum

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David “Dave” Ray Lanum, 59, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Omaha. He was born on December 17, 1965, in Billings, Montana, to Ray Lanum and Glenda Fisher.

Dave grew up in both Plattsmouth and Billings, carrying memories and lessons from both places. After graduating from Billings Senior High School in 1984, he returned to Plattsmouth the following year where he would plant roots, raise his family, and quietly build a legacy that will live on for generations.

From a young age, Dave understood the value of showing up and putting in the work. He got his start at Schmidt Auto under Roger Schmidt, earning a reputation for being reliable, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand. Later, he co-owned Murray Repair alongside his brother, Jim Gochenour, before beginning a long and impactful career with the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) in 1997. Over his 27 years at MUD, Dave excelled in several departments—Transportation, Water Distribution, Water Pumping, and Water Quality—leaving a mark not only through his work ethic, but through the relationships he built along the way.

On September 8, 1990, Dave married the love of his life, Tammy “Tam”, in Plattsmouth. Over the next 34 years, they built a life full of love, laughter, devotion, and victories. Their bond was strong, rooted in resilience and deep mutual respect. Together they raised two children, Jake and Makael, who were—and always will be—the center of their world.

Dave was endlessly proud of his son, Jacob—admiring the man he had become and his unwavering commitment to serving his country. He deeply respected the life Jake built: a devoted husband to Adrian (who Dave loved to joke around with) and a loving father to their two daughters, Tinsley and Tansy. The girls brought Dave immeasurable joy—and no small amount of sass—often teasing him, with playful grins, that their dad’s mustache was clearly superior to Papa’s. They stayed close, FaceTiming daily to share jokes, stories, school updates, and sometimes even helping them through their homework.

Dave saw so much of himself in his daughter, Makael. Her strength, independence, and big-hearted spirit made him proud every day. He’d often laugh and say, “I can’t believe she came from my loins.” She grew into exactly the kind of woman he had always hoped she would be. Dave also treasured his bond with her husband, Nate, especially their time spent out on the water, setting throw lines together. He was equally proud of their two boys, Calder and Acre ("Bruiser"), sharing his love for animals with them. Whether it was taking them on Gator rides, feeding the deer, or watching Animal Planet, those moments were ones Dave held close to his heart.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Dave found peace in nature, whether he was hunting, fishing, tending to their garden, or chatting about guns and ballistics on speaker phone with his best friend, Bryan, for hours. In recent years, he found joy in traveling with Tammy to Paris, Maui Hawaii, Germany, and Spain—a rare adventure for a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Dave poured his heart into everything he built, especially his home— a space that was uniquely his, filled with the love and laughter of his family and friends. He had a special way of fixing things—always “his” way—and a knack for creating meaningful, personalized projects. One of his proudest creations was a custom wagon for his grandson’s first birthday—the "biggest and baddest around," just as Papa promised.

More than anything, Dave was a man who loved deeply. He was a devoted husband, a selfless provider, and the kind of dad and papa who always showed up. His infectious smile could light up any room, and he was the person everyone could count on—whether for help, advice, or simply to be there.

Those that know him, know that he had a charm all his own - full of quirks and sayings that became known as “Dave-isms”. Whether it was a cheerful “Dandy”, a sudden “Swizzle”, or saying he had a “hankering” for something good to eat to fill our “pork” bellies, his words were as unforgettable as he was. Some were sweet, some inappropriate, but all of them were Dave - little pieces of personality that made everyone smile and left memories that will be shared for years to come.

To his grandchildren, he hung the moon. And to all that knew him, David leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, and unwavering love. To his wife, Tam, he gave his heart and soul, and their bond stood as a testament to a life beautifully lived. Together they built something lasting: a family, a home, and a love that will carry on forever.

Dave is survived by his wife, Tammy Lanum; his son, Jake Lanum, and daughter-in-law, Adrian Lanum; his daughter, Makael Weatherby (Lanum), and son-in-law, Nathan Weatherby; and his beloved grandchildren: grandaughters Tinsley and Tansy Lanum, and grandsons Calder and Acre Weatherby.

He is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Virginia) Gochenour of Arkansas and Paul Foyt of Nebraska City; his sisters, Cathy (Jerry) Smith of Union, NE, Diane McFarland of Medford, Oregon, and Sandy (Bill) Sampson of Plattsmouth; the Dasher family; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and a lot of friends he called “good dudes”.

Dave is preceded in death by his grandson, Callum Jacob Lanum; his parents, Ray Lanum and Glenda Fisher; his brother, Patrick Foyt; his in-laws, Merle and Geraldine Dasher; and his good buddy, Rod McKulsky.

“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway.
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.” - Frank Sinatra

A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth, NE

A visitation with family greeting friends will be Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Harvey Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers include:  Bryan McKulsky, Roger Schmidt, Terry Dasher, Rusty Kastens, Bill Sampson and Jack Quimby.

Memorials may be directed to the Family for future designation.

Arrangements under the direction of Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, NE. 402-296-4445.