Lori Ann (Sautter) Mazanec, 50, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, sister, and leader, passed away at her home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Lori’s life was a testament to strength, courage, and true servant leadership. She leaves behind a legacy of love that touched every corner of her family, her work, and her community.
Lori was born on March 16, 1976, in Torrington, Wyoming, to David James and Sandra Kay Sautter. Raised with strong values and a deep love for family, she graduated from Alliance High School in 1994 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College in 1997. Driven by a lifelong passion for growth and service, Lori later earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University in 2018.
On May 15, 1999, Lori married the love of her life, Billy Mazanec, at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska. Together, they built a life grounded in unwavering commitment and joy, raising two wonderful daughters, Keeley and Kaelyn. Lori’s greatest pride and joy was her family, and nothing brought a brighter smile to her face than her role as a mother, grandmother “GiGi”, and aunt.
At the very heart of Lori’s strength, grace, and servant’s heart was her deep devotion to Jesus Christ. She was a true believer and faithful follower, trusting in the Lord with all her heart and letting His love guide her every step. Lori didn’t just speak her faith—she lived it out daily through her quiet compassion, her selflessness, and the genuine grace with which she served her church, her community, and everyone who knew her.
Above all else, Lori’s life was defined by her fierce, unconditional love for her family. After her mother’s passing, Lori stepped forward to become the steadfast rock of the family, offering unwavering strength, warmth, and guidance to everyone around her. She cherished simple, quality time with those she loved—whether relaxing at the lake, camping under the stars, or spoiling her beloved dogs, Ruger, Boss, and Tucker. A fiercely proud mother, she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her daughters at their sporting events. Her passion for Nebraska Husker sports was unmatched; she simply couldn’t get enough of rooting for the Big Red.
Lori lived and loved without reserve, approaching every day with wholehearted devotion. Whatever task, person, or cause she took on, she poured her entire heart into it—giving every single ounce of strength she had and never doing anything by half measures. Yet as strong and quietly determined as she was, what people felt most was the pure light of her spirit—a radiant, infectious joy that effortlessly illuminated every room she entered. She possessed an infectious laugh that was impossible to resist, frequently breaking into full-blown laughing attacks that brought pure, unfiltered warmth to those around her.
Lori’s professional life was a powerful example of dedication, hard work, and integrity. After graduating from Chadron State, she worked for Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) and RK Nelson & Associates before beginning a long, impactful career at Box Butte General Hospital. Starting as a Finance Assistant, Lori’s exceptional leadership and quiet courage guided her up through the ranks as Controller, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and ultimately Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She led with compassion, always keeping the health, well-being, and dignity of her community at the heart of every decision.
Her heart for service extended far beyond her career. Lori gave selflessly of her time and wisdom to numerous organizations, serving as an active member of the Berean Church of Alliance and its Financial Board, PEO, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Board, the Jane’s Closet Board, the Chadron State Board of Trustees, and the Alliance Bulldog Booster Club, along with many other influential community groups.
Lori is survived by her devoted husband, Billy Lee Mazanec of Alliance; her daughters, Keeley Elizabeth Mazanec (and boyfriend Hunner Little Hoop) and Kaelyn Noelle Mazanec, both of Alliance; her cherished grandchildren, Maverick Honstein and Ryker Little Hoop; her father, David (Cindy Kimmel) Sautter of Alliance; her father- and mother-in-law, Roger and Nancy Mazanec of Alliance; her brothers, Michael (Joni) Sautter of Alliance and Stephen (Audrey) Sautter of York, NE; her sister, Elizabeth (Lee) Fritzler of Alliance; Cindy’s children, daughters Katy Kimmel of Albuquerque, NM and Jenni (Brian) Foster of Fair Haven, NJ, and sons Mark (Melissa) Kimmel of Alliance and Brian (Jodi) Kimmel of Alliance; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Harper and Holland Fritzler, Jack and Jillian Sautter, and Harvey and Thatcher Sautter; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who all hold a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Sandra Kay (Stull) Sautter; her great-grandparents, Leslie and Dorothy Stull; her grandparents, Don and Harriett Stull, and John and Vera Sautter; and her uncles, Greg Stull and Paul Sautter.
Lori’s life was a light to all who knew her, guided by her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Her strength, grace, and servant’s heart will continue to inspire her family and community for generations to come.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Alliance Berean Church. Pastor Glenn Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made in Lori’s memory to the Alliance Bulldog Booster Club or Jane’s Closet, two organizations deeply meaningful to Lori and the community she so faithfully served. Donations may be sent in care of Bates-Gould Funeral Home or given directly to the organizations. Alliance Bulldog Booster Club, P.O. Box 524, Alliance, NE 69301; Jane’s Closet – Box Butte Health Foundation, P.O. Box 810, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.