LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Fred Zwonecheck, widely known as the former face of highway safety in Nebraska, has passed away.

According to him obituaryFred died unexpectedly at his home in late October at the age of 77.

He was born in Omaha and spent his childhood in DeWitt; here he went trapping, worked as a lifeguard in nearby Beatrice, and mowed lawns.

After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1965, Fred moved to Lincoln to continue his education at the University of Nebraska.

A 1970 graduate, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, which led him to work for the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety for 44 years saving lives and promoting the importance of seat belt use.

Under his leadership, alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the Cornhusker state decreased by more than 70% and seat belt use skyrocketed to more than 80%.

He has worked tirelessly to keep Nebraska drivers safe and has been honored by many government agencies for his lifelong effort to save families from losing loved ones on the road.

When Fred retired in 2019“It was very gratifying because obviously I worked with a lot of victims, people who were victims of drunk drivers, people who lost family members because they weren’t wearing seat belts,” he said.

His loved ones said his presence made the world a better place and that his courage and determination inspired those around him.

Outside of business, Fred was a member of the Nebraska Corvette Association. In his spare time, he loved going to auctions, collecting everything from fishing rods to antique furniture, and finding his next classic car.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, at 2 p.m., at Bultherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home in Lincoln, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends ask for contributions to your favorite charity.

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