Jordan Allan Lampila, 34, of Crete, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at Crete Area Medical Center after a nearly four-year battle with cancer.
He was born on Jan. 23, 1982, in Lincoln, to Donald and Anita Lampila.
Jordan was baptized at the Martell United Methodist Church and confirmed at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete, where he was a member.
He grew up in Crete, graduating from Crete High School with the Class of 2000. He was active in band and choir and as a student manager for the football and basketball programs.
His caring for others and outgoing personality earned him many friends who remained close. His compassion to help others, from friends and family, to complete strangers, was evident in everything he did.
Always welcomed at the Crete Volunteer Fire Department, even as a boy, Jordan joined the department in 2003, fulfilling a childhood dream of working with the trucks and equipment to serve his community. Throughout his time on the department, he served as 2nd Rescue Lt. and first responder, treasurer, vice president, and was recently elected to a second term as department president.
He responded to calls in whatever capacity the department needed him, whether at fire scenes or in his duties to assist victims needing medical assistance. He took great pride and effort in helping to maintain department equipment. He was an integral part of truck and ambulance designs, many fire prevention programs and department activities in the community, including driving trucks in the county fair and Czech Days parades, and playing Santa Claus at department Christmas parties.
He earned an associate's degree from Southeast Community College - Milford and worked in Lincoln for several years until starting as a communications dispatcher for the City of Crete and Crete Police Department. He became a member of Fraternal Order of Police - Lodge 74 Crete. He was dedicated to this job of serving the public through communications and emergency dispatch responsibilities. In July 2015, he began as a dispatcher for the Nebraska State Patrol Communications Division in Lincoln.
Jordan was also a volunteer for Saline County Emergency Management and collected data for a local National Weather Service site.
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Marjorie Hollman, Waino and Elsie Lampila; and uncles Dale Lampila and Randall "Pete" Hollman.
He is survived by his parents, Don and Anita, Crete; sister, Jennifer Lampila, Crete; partner, Kameron Neeman; uncles and aunts, Rod and Linda Hollman, Martell, Chris Hollman, Hallam, Ray and Vickie Hollman, Rex and Ann Hollman, all rural Crete, Dick and Sondra Hollman, Hallam, and Lucina Lampila, Waynesville, N.C.; 16 cousins, their spouses and families; many extended family members and a host of close friends and colleagues who became like family.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 2:30 p.m. in Heckman Auditorium at Doane University. Interment at Centerville Cemetery. A reception will follow the service in Doane's Perry Campus Center dinning hall. Viewing at funeral home only: Wednesday, 1-9 pm, Thursday 9-12 pm, Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. Family will greet friends from 5 – 8 on Wednesday.Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Crete Volunteer Fire Department or in care of the family for future designation to benefit local law enforcement agencies.