John W. Estabrook

ESTABROOK, John W. 8/6/1927 – 12/28/2018 John W. Estabrook, a native of Cleveland, OH, received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Omaha in 1951. Estabrook has been associated with the Nebraska Methodist organization since that time, first as assistant administrator, then as administrator, and finally, as president. Under his leadership, Methodist has become a leader in the nation's hospital industry with a reputation for innovation, cost-effectiveness and high quality medical care. In addition to the development of excellent programs at Methodist Hospital, Estabrook has also been a force in the regional and national healthcare industry. He has been a president of both the Omaha and Nebraska Hospital Associations. He has been a delegate to the American Hospital Association and a Regent of the American College of Health Care Executives and is currently on the board of the Visiting Nurse Association. Within the community, Mr. Estabrook has served as president of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association and currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the University's College of Business. In 1981, he established Nebraska Methodist Health System, which is the holding company that operates Methodist Hospital as well as eight other subsidiary corporations providing healthcare services in five states. Since January 1987, Estabrook has devoted his full-time energies to the Health System and has most recently concluded the successful acquisition of the Lutheran Medical Center here in Omaha. Mr. Estabrook was one of the hardest working individuals and always felt that the Mission of the Hospital was the “centerpiece” to the success of the organization. He had always mentioned that he was blessed to surround himself with the most talented colleagues, but remembered that there were many 6-7 AM meetings that tested their commitment, but everyone rose to the occasion as they all had a specific goal. He was never too busy to involve himself in his children’s life, as well as providing the grandchildren with Saturday morning Donuts and discussion. He had been a diligent carpenter, as he spent his later years building birdhouses. I remember my son, John, stating that one project was the largest birdhouse he had ever seen. He always coordinated Canadian fishing trips with his friends. His son John C. Estabrook was so honored to be invited on three separate occasions. How cool is that! And then there was the daily coffee at Hy-Vee (90th & Center) @ 6:00 AM and Saturday morning breakfasts too. Even though my father was a very quiet and humble man, he always would invite near strangers that he felt would benefit from belonging to a group. He was a respected client at the store and the employees really enjoyed seeing and talking with him and the last 2 years they would really pay close attention to his every need, mainly his safety. His commitment to “ Excellence of Care”, has continued to be the hallmark of his Legacy, as the mantle of those principals endures to this day at NMHS. I can personally attest to this fact. It’s been a long time since September 1945, when my father was diagnosed with TB in WWII, Pacific theater and hospitalized for > 2 years, was confronted by the hospital C.O about his criticism of the care that he received. Stated, “ Estabrook, if you think you can do a better job…study to be a Hospital Administrator” Now you know the rest of the story! John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank G. & Florence S. Estabrook; He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy C. Estabrook; Son John C. Estabrook & wife Sharon; Daughter Jane Estabrook & husband Rick Lienemann; Grandchildren: Carol Oczki, Michelle Oczki, John A. Estabrook & wife Renee, Matthew Estabrook, Cam Bexten, Leah Lienemann; Great Grandson John “Wyatt” Estabrook; A "Celebration of John's Life" will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 5:30-8:30pm, with a time of sharing at 6:00pm, all at Happy Hollow Country Club (1701 S. 105 St.) The family asks for the public to wear casual clothes. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Methodist Hospital Foundation, St. Croix Hospice or St. Luke United Methodist Church. Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-391-2171