John L Lambert, Professor Emeritus of the University of Nebraska, succumbed to his injuries on July 3rd, 2024, following a bicycle accident doing what he passionately loved, riding his bike while experiencing God’s gift of outdoor beauty. John’s loss was unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened.
John was born on April 25, 1942, to Milburn and Mervein Lambert, in Thornburg Kansas. Moving to Nebraska as a small boy, he grew into a loyal fan of the UNL Football Team. At the early age of 12, John left home to work as a quarter horse trainer and jockey to raise money for college and assist the family financially. John attended the University of Nebraska receiving his BS in 1964 and MS in Animal Nutrition in 1966. During his years at the University of Nebraska, John became President of the Rodeo Club and won the title of All Around Cowboy at UNL in 1962 and 1964.
While at UNL, he met his future wife, Jeanne Frasier. They quickly fell in love and were married in July of 1963.
John’s occupations as a Livestock Specialist and Extension Educator following graduation from UNL aligned with his passion for animals, horses and education for the next 30 years. He achieved the status of Professor, Outstanding Agent in Nebraska, and the NACAA national achievement award as outstanding agent. During these years, John judged horse shows nationally, giving his time tirelessly to the people in his counties and never missing a beat between his educational duties as Co. Agent to flipping hamburgers at the 4-H diner during the County Fair. After retiring from UNL, John and Jeanne moved to Colorado. For the next 20 years he worked for the USDA helping with computer roadblocks both at the USDA and privately helping those who needed his self-taught computer expertise. He became an avid bike rider throughout the foothills and mountains of Colorado, Europe and Nebraska. John left the house at 4:30 am to ride with the Poudre Sunrise Cyclists as well as the Windsor Pedalers. John and Jeanne traveled around the world and treasured the past 4 years in their beloved RV.
John was a loving husband of 61 years to Jeanne. He was a caring and supportive father to three daughters, Kelli (Marc), Shawn (Paul), and Cami (Robert), eight grandchildren; Max and Ben; Ainsley, Corbin and Shelby; Laurel, Lainey, and Allie.
His departure is gravely felt by his family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide network of community. John’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Buckhorn Llama Farm, 8857 Llama Ranch Rd, Loveland CO., Saturday July 27th, 2024, at 10 am. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory for a scholarship to the University of Nebraska awarded to a student who is pursuing their education in the field of Animal Science.
A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Buckhorn Llama Ranch, 8857 Llama Ranch Road, Loveland, Colorado 80538.
Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of West River Funeral Directors, Rapid City, SD.
