Search Continues for Stolen Bust of Former Nebraska Governor

The bust of a former Nebraska governor remains missing after being stolen from Lincoln’s historic Wyuka Cemetery last year, as officials mull recreating and replacing the statue.

Over two nights in early December 2025, vandals broke into the cemetery near 36th and O Street, “busting up” over two dozen bronze flower vases and stealing four informational plaques and the bust of Nebraska’s fifth governor, Albinus Nance.

Facilities Director Greg Osborn tells KLIN News they’ve restored all the mausoleum vases, new replacement plaques are in the works, but Gov. Nance is still missing.

While Osborn is still holding out hope that the bust may one day return, he suspects the vandals have “probably already destroyed or gotten rid of it.”

“It’d be pretty tough to get rid of something like that here in Nebraska, since it’s so recognizable, but there’s a lot of places they could go to get that done,” he said. “I found someone willing to recreate the bust. We’re in the process of writing letters to seek financial help. We need the public’s help.”

Nance was Nebraska’s fifth governor from 1879 to 1883. He was buried at Wyuka after his death in 1911. Nance’s bust was sculpted by artist Gilbert Riswold. He is the namesake of Nance County.

The cost to replace Nance’s bust has not yet been determined. In December, Osborn said the bust was “irreplaceable,” but estimated the monument could cost up to $90,000 to recreate.

Fortunately, producing a worthy facsimile is not a concern for Osborn. He said Wyuka has “plenty” of reference pictures for the “well-known” bronzesmith they plan to work with.

December’s break-in at Wyuka was possible due to the main entrance gate at 37th and O Street being broken. Osborn said the gate has since been fixed and no more unwelcome overnight vandals have visited.

“It’s just unbelievable that people would do something like that,” said Osborn. “The things people do will never cease to amaze me.”

Wyuka attempted to contact the distant relatives of Governor Nance about the vandalism, but according to Osborn, they have not heard back.

Lincoln Police said the investigation is still active and ongoing, despite a lack of new leads and information. No arrests have been made in connection to the vandalism at this time.

If you have any information on these thefts, contact Lincoln Police at (402) 441-6000 to speak with an officer, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600. An anonymous tip can be left online through lincolncrimestoppers.com.