Omaha Mayor’s Husband Found Dead at Family Residence

Dr. Joseph Stothert was a longtime faculty member of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Surgery. (UNMC)
A prominent Omaha surgeon and husband to the city’s mayor unexpectedly died Friday.
The Stothert family announced the death of Joseph Stothert on Friday evening following reports by law enforcement of a shooting call at the family’s residence south of 120th and Q street.
A spokesperson for the Omaha Police Department said in a statement that no foul play was suspected in the incident that was reported at 1:53 p.m. The family issued a statement about the death at 4:51 p.m.
“It is with great sadness today that we share the tragic loss of Joe Stothert with family, friends, and our loving community,” the family said. “Joe’s dedication and affection for everyone he cared for serve as a bright light of human kindness for all of us to follow.” Stothert was a board-certified surgeon in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, where he was a professor and medical director for trauma at the Nebraska Medical Center.
Stothert also had served as the medical director for 911 communications for Douglas County since 1996. He previously was the medical director for the Omaha and Millard fire departments.
UNMC said that a campus memorial service will be held in the coming weeks. Funeral services were pending Monday.
The family requested prayers and privacy “so our family may grieve and remember an extraordinary and caring husband, father and grandfather.”
On Monday, Jean Stothert’s campaign for reelection as mayor announced that it would suspend public activities and commercials.
“Out of respect for the life and legacy of Dr. Joe Stothert, and to properly honor his memory, the Jean Stothert for Mayor campaign has temporarily paused all public contacts and activities, including television commercials that were to begin airing today. To honor the family’s privacy, there will be no further statements at this time,” communications director Bev Carlson said in an email.
The primary is April 6. The top two finishers will advance to the May 11 general election. Stothert is serving her second term.
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