Harold Leverne McCaw

HAROLD LEVERNE MCCAW 1935 – 2025 Longtime Omaha teacher and coach Harold Leverne “Hal” McCaw, age 89, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 4th 2025 at Espirit Whispering Ridge Assisted Living in Omaha, NE. Hal was born on November 26th, 1935 to Lester Harold and Helen Louise (McCay) McCaw on the family farm outside of Montezuma, Iowa. When Hal was in grade school, his family moved to Des Moines, IA where he developed his love of sports. He attended Des Moines Technical High School where he became a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, and graduated with the class of 1953. Following graduation, Hal attended Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa on a full athletic scholarship. He was the Eagles’ quarterback, point guard, and pitcher during his career. He was Westmar College’s Athlete of The Year his senior year, and is the only athlete in the history of that institution to have earned 12 Varsity letters. While attending Westmar, he met the love of his life, Edith Wetenkamp. The two were married on August 12th, 1956 in Mynard, NE. Both graduated with degrees in education, and they started their teaching careers in small towns in Iowa. His teaching career started in Lohrville, IA, but was interrupted when Hal proudly answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Following discharge, Hal briefly taught in Rock Falls, IL. In 1965 he accepted a teaching position at the newly opened Omaha Public school, William Jennings Bryan Jr./Senior High, teaching Physical Education and coaching. He became the Boys Head Basketball Coach in 1966, a position he held until 1974. During that time, he also assisted in coaching football, track, and baseball, and obtained a Master’s Degree from Northeast Missouri State University. In 1974 he accepted the Assistant Athletic Director position at Bryan, a post he held until his retirement in 1994. He was a longtime official of both the Nebraska State Track Meet and the State Soccer Tournament, and was inducted into the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. Hal and Edith lived in South Omaha until they moved to Buccaneer Bay in Plattsmouth in 1998. He enjoyed many activities, including golf, fishing, gardening, traveling with family, and watching his grandchildren’s activities. The family spent many winters in Colorado snow skiing, as well as summers in Missouri and South Dakota camping and fishing. He and Edith were married for 67 years, until her death in 2024. He was a member of the P.E.A., Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543, and Hugh J. Kerns American Legion Post #56. Hal is survived by daughter Maureen (Mark) Rohlfing of Omaha; sons Dan (Lita) McCaw of Sparks, NV and Tim (Jennifer) McCaw of Omaha; along with 7 grandchildren: Jordan Rohlfing (Husband Dan Hudec), Kaitlin Rohlfing (Calvin Perkins), Ryan (Marissa) Rohlfing, Alyssa Ropell, Megan McCaw, Zachary McCaw, and Adam McCaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters. Hal will be remembered for his bright smile, his contagious laugh, and the positive impact he had on his family and those he taught and coached. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth, NE. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Roby Funeral Home with Pastor David Kersting officiating. The Pallbearers will be Adam McCaw, Zachary McCaw, Ryan Rohlfing, Colten Wetenkamp, Marty Wetenkamp, and Tim Wetenkamp. His Final Resting Place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth. Military Rites will be conducted by the Nebraska Army National Guard, Military Funeral Honor Guard. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Omaha VA CDCE c/o Jennifer Servant 4101 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE 68105 “In Memory of Harold McCaw”. Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Avenue A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048 (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome@charter.net www.robyfuneralhome.com

Harold Leverne McCaw

November 26, 1935 - March 4, 2025