DEREK TRANMER

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Derek Allen Tranmer, 34, of Lincoln, formerly of Fremont, died Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

Derek was born July 10, 1979, in Blair to Dale and Cindy (Larson) Tranmer. He lived in Fremont during his childhood and adolescent years.

Derek was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 1984 and served as the Muscular Dystrophy Poster Child in 1987 and as their Ambassador in 1996. He was granted a “Make-A-Wish” to meet the San Francisco 49ers in 1991. Following a 1993 spinal fusion, Derek became wheelchair bound.

In 1999, he graduated from Fremont High School, where he served as statistician for the football and basketball teams. He attended Metro Community College in Fremont and Omaha for three years, focusing on web page design. He worked for several years at Walmart and Oriental Trading in Fremont and Citel in Omaha.

He married Amy Catron on May 18, 2002, and adopted her daughter, Elizabeth Ann “Lizzy.” They lived in Omaha and Elkhorn until their divorce in 2010. During this time, he volunteered as an assistant coach at Midland College under basketball coach Rich McGill. In 2008, Derek had tracheotomy surgery. He moved back home with his parents for a short time in 2010, but health issues caused him to move to a long-term special needs care unit at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln in October 2010. In May 2013, he courageously accepted the need for a feeding tube and increased use of the ventilator.

Derek was known to all as a very brave, strong and independent young man. He was a very knowledgeable sports fan, focusing on football, basketball and baseball. Besides being a devoted Cornhusker, he cheered on the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Braves.

He lived his life with two mottos: “Losing is not an option,” and “Live every day like it’s your last.” He bravely and courageously faced each challenge in his life and has now joined the greatest team of all - - God’s Heavenly Team.

Survivors include his beloved daughter, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Tranmer of Omaha; parents, Dale and Cindy Tranmer of Fremont; grandmother, Virginia Larson of Oakland; sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Cory Kolm; three very special nephews, Caden, Cooper and Cason Kolm; and canine niece, Ginger, all of Fremont.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Allie and Ida Tranmer, and maternal grandfather and All-time-hero, William R. Larson.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Midland University Food Center, 10th and Clarkson streets, in Fremont. The Rev. Greg Hall will officiate. Casual team sports attire is suggested. Visitation will be from 1 – 8 p.m. Thursday at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland with the family receiving friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time Friday at the Midland University Event Center. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Scott Wagner, Kurt Kolm, Cory Kolm, John Konecky, Ryan Nelson, Matt Turner, Eric Beck and Kelly Howard. Honorary casket bearers will be Caden Kolm, Cooper Kolm, Cason Kolm and Ralph Ebers.

Special music will be provided by Mike Ronhovde.

Memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 4654 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68137; Fremont Public School Foundation, 130 E. Ninth St., Fremont, Nebraska 68025; Midland University Athletic Department (men’s basketball), 900 N. Clarkson St., Fremont, NE 68025; and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (VAU Unit), 5401 South St., Lincoln, NE 68506.