Brett R. McLean, age 63 of York, NE died Monday, April 13, 2026 in York. He was born on April 5, 1963 to James Howard and Alice Mae (Miller) McLean in Osceola, NE. Brett grew up in Benedict, NE with his parents and three brothers, and was in a 4-H Club where he showed pigs. He graduated from Benedict High School with the class of 1981, then attended and played basketball at Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, IA, where he earned his Associates Degree.
Brett at one point was a DJ who loved music and to sing. He was a farmer, and thoroughly enjoyed being in the fields. After farming in Nebraska, he was a cattle rancher with his Dad in Iowa. Brett was a car salesman for Dewey Ford in Iowa and Jansen Ford in York, and liked Ford vehicles and International tractors. He loved football, basketball, and was an avid Huskers and Lakers fan. He was known to have a ‘sweet tooth’ and especially liked circus peanuts. He loved his kids and spending time with them. He hated the cold and loved Arizona. He was a Christian and looked to God in hard times.
He is survived by his children: Mandy (Dave) Zorn of Gothenburg, NE, Madison (Tyler Kliewer) McLean of York, and Mac McLean of Chandler, AZ, ex-wife Cindy McLean of Benedict, NE, grandchildren: Jaden and Jayla Zorn of Gothenburg, August Luethje of Telluride, CO, brothers: Max (Jeanette) McLean of Stromsburg, NE, Karl (Maria) McLean of Equador, and Clark McLean of Chandler, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law Gail McLean.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2026 at Evangelical Free Church in Stromsburg, NE. There will be a private family inurnment at St. Paul Cemetery north of York. Brett has been cremated. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.