Loraine I. Hooks, 91, of Lyons NE


Loraine I. Hooks, age 91, of Lyons, Nebraska passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Oakland Heights in Oakland, Nebraska.  A Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, December 15, 2016, 1 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons, Nebraska with burial at a later date.  There is no visitation.  Memorials are suggested to the Robert Klase – Rogers VFW Auxiliary, Lyons Community Club & Nebraska Humane Society.  Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons is in charge of arrangements.

Loraine I. Hooks was born December 16, 1924, in Kennard, Nebraska, to Lillard S. and Myrtle A. (Petersen) Jensen. She passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Oakland Heights in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years.

Loraine attended country school, and graduated from Blair High School in 1941.  She loved gardening, cooking and especially shopping.

On August 22, 1945, Loraine and Leo Hooks were united in marriage in Omaha, Nebraska.  They were married almost 62 years.  They have one daughter, Melissa.

Loraine was a member of the Eastern Star and was a past Worthy Matron for Esther Chapter No. 208, OES.  She was also a longtime member of the Burt County Extension Club and the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons.  She was actively involved in the Robert Klase – Rogers VFW Auxiliary.

Loraine’s hobbies included anything to do with gardening, her club activities, camping, and her grandson, Søren.  She loved people and especially enjoyed talking on the phone, playing cards and taking care of her cat, Buffy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo; and sister, Eleanor Hansen.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa, of Papillion, NE; grandson, Søren also of Papillion; sisters and brother, Lois Eaton, Mary Ann (Ralph) Nielsen, and James (Joan) Jensen all of Omaha, NE; many nieces and nephews.

Loraine Hooks

Loraine Hooks

Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 10TH 2016 @ 4:30 PM

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on

November 10th, 2016. Visitors signing in Alta Wolf with Mirror Lyons Sun, Viv Novotny JEO

Consulting, Carol Kellogg with Sears Operating Comm., Dale Wolf, Don Warren, Jason

Troutman, Jolene Stevens, those not signing in were Ethan Joy with JEO.

1) Regular Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg at 4:30 PM with her stating that a

copy of the open meetings act is located on the north wall.

Roll Call: Anderson-y, Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

2) Agenda and minutes of the previous month's meeting received:

Roll Call: Anderson-y, Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

3) Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Anderson-y, Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

4) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

All Present

5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

1) Police: Monthly Report- No police present. Kellogg stated that John Paul is

available to work again part time. There was talk among the board members and they all

agreed to retain John Paul as part time police.

2) Lights: Monthly Report- Gatewood stated that she had received a couple of calls.

A business on main street called and said that they had been paying a bill but that the line

had been cut for some time. The business owner would like a refund on the bill they have

been paying. Discussion was talked about when it was disconnected, Anderson said that

the business next to it was tore down the week before Memorial Day. The next phone

call was about resident was moving and new residents were taking over on 1st of

September. Clerk stated that she recall him coming into the office on the 8th and that

was the day that it was read. Board discussed this matter and agreed to lower the bill to

$120.25. Then there was a discussion about the disconnect fee if meter is not pulled then

there will not be a fee.

Gatewood stated that the state has updated the disconnect notice. She said that bills are

due on the 15th and delinquent notice will go out on the day penalty is applied. Letters

will go out in the mail and they have 7 days to pay in full to avoid disconnection. A

sample of the letter was provided to the board and the clerk will update the ordinance.

Gatewood asked the members if they thought that the utility deposit should be raised?

Discussion was made and decision to leave the utility deposit at $250.00.

3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- Anderson reported that it is still taking about 1

1/2 hours to do the back flush. We are still in need of the 2 of the filters being replaced.

JEO representatives were called to the table. Viv introduced herself and what JEO does.

They are engineers and they are able to find funding for various projects. Ethan stated

that he is aware of our water plant. He said that we have a couple of options. He said

that our system is out of life and that we need to replace the filters. The 2 need to be

replaced for sure. He had questions about the back flushing taking the amount of time. He

said going forward that there is a study and that it could take up to 3 years from start to

finish. Kellogg asked what we need to do to get this rolling. Ethan suggested that we

have an evaluation of the filters done. Ethan would have to see how much an evaluation

would cost. Ethan will let the clerk know what information he can come up with.

Gatewood made a motion to spend up to $5,000 for the evaluation of the filters by

Vessco Inc.

2nd by Anderson

Roll call- Siecke-y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Anderson-y.

Kellogg- Motion carried.

Ethan stated that our operators need to be involved in the evaluation.

Kellogg thanked Viv and Ethan for coming to our meeting.

Clerk gave Ethan the needs list for the State of Nebraska. He will submit this for us.

4) Parks: Monthly Report- Income for October $1,067.00 .

5) Streets: Monthly Report- Income from city sales tax for August $4,878.23. Siecke

stated that he has left messages for some businesses to come in and fill the cracks before

winter. Rescind motion from August 18th, 2016 Accepting the street bid to fix numbers

1-5 and 7 on the bid sheet. 2 nd by Siecke at a cost of $92,324.45.

Siecke made a motion to rescind the motion from August 18th, 2016 accepting

the street bid to for $92,324.45

2nd by Gatewood

Roll call Tolby-y, Anderson-y, Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Siecke-y

6) Recycling Report: Clerk reported that most of the recycling has been hauled. Jack

Dunning had helped Luke get the loads ready. Cindy would like the recycling to be hauled in a

timely manner. Anderson said that Mayo had been in contact with him about the recycling and

Anderson asked the other members if it was ok for him to meet with Mayo, they agreed. Clerk

said that she is seeking grants for curbside recycling. Also the board talked about the green

recycling truck that has the flat tires and how it either needs to be used or sold.

7) Sears Center- Carol Kellogg came to the table to discuss the cash flow and

information from the last meeting. She stated that the Sear's Center is on budget and has a

reserve if the cost of propane should go up. Carol advised that she would be back in January to

give more updates. Siecke asked if there had been any more issues in the media room? No one

was aware of any issues. The card reader is now working correctly. Anderson asked if there

was a way for the fitness room to have its own access via card. Carol advised Matt is currently

working on that. Anderson asked that if Village will be appointing 2 members to the Sears

Center. Kellogg advised yes at the December meeting. Carol advised new signs will be going

up stating no food or drink in the media room and also minors under the age of 12 must be

accompanied by an adult over the age of 19. Also that if rules are not followed then privileges

may be revoked. Carol asked the board if the Clerk can be at the Sear's meetings. The meetings

will start being twice a year. They didn't see a problem with that. Carol said that once the new

board is seated she will be back to give a presentation about how the Sears Center came about.

6) OLD BUSINESS

1) Employee Policy – Clerk advised the board that they had received the new

employee policy with the new wording highlighted and the old wording crossed out. Once the

changes have been ok'd then she will have the attorney review it.

Siecke made a motion to approve the revisions made to the personnel policy 2nd by

Tolby

Roll call-Anderson- y, Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

2) Garbage Rates- Siecke talked about possibly moving the garbage attendant pay

out of the general account and moving it to the garbage fund. If we raised the garbage rate up

.50 then it would cover his wage. He would like to discuss this. He advised that at the last

meeting they accepted the garbage bid from Mayo sanitation but did not discuss the

administrative fee increase. There was also talk about charging the tree contractors a fee to put

the limbs up in the dump. It was decided to leave the fee as is.

Siecke: I would like to introduce the following: Resolution # 148- Garbage Rates

Kellogg: Clerk would you read Resolution # 148- On the Garbage Rates.

Chytka: Read the Resolution # 148- Garbage Rates

Resolution #148

Establishment of Garbage Rates

A resolution by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur, Burt County,

Nebraska pursuant to of the Code of Decatur, establishing the clean-up day rates and

administration fees the Village shall charge for the collection of garbage.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur, Burt County,

Nebraska the Village hereby establishes the following garbage rates and shall charge

garbage rates as follows for the collection of garbage it provides:

$ 9.00 per household per month for collection fees

$ 1.00 per household per month for clean-up day fees

$ .75 per household per month for administration fees

Pursuant to § 54.04 of the Code of Decatur, the Village Clerk shall have the duty

of billing persons and collecting all monies the Village receives related to providing

garbage collection. The Village clerk shall faithfully account for and report to the Village

Treasurer, all monies collected.

Passed and adopted this 10th day of November, 2016.

This resolution shall take effect and be in full force after its passage, approval and

publication as required by law.

Village of Decatur, Nebraska

Loretta Kellogg

Chairman

ATTEST:

Ann Chytka

Village Clerk

Siecke: I move that Resolution # 148- Garbage Rates be passed

Gatewood: I second the motion

Kellogg: Shall Resolution # 148- Garbage Rates be passed and adopted by Roll Call:

Chytka:

Anderson-yes, Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Siecke-yes, Gatewood-yes

Kellogg Motion Carried

7) NEW BUSINESS

* JEO- Viv and Ethan -See above in water and sewer report,

* Fire Department- City Hall Key- Clerk brought up that there was a false alarm at

City Hall where fire department was dispatched. No key was available.

Anderson brought up where the key should be located at the fire hall. That will be

checked on.

* Basement North wall outlets- Clerk reported that during the Methodist dinner the

circuits kept tripping along the north wall. Board spoke and stated that Max needed to be

contacted to see if able to fix the problem.

* Robert Sparks- Water line- Not present

Gatewood made a motion to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation 2nd

by Siecke

Roll Call Anderson- y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Siecke-y

Time 6:14

Siecke made a motion to come out of executive session 2nd Tolby

Roll Call Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Anderson-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

Time 6:24

Siecke made a motion rescind the motion that was made not to pay 1/2 of the water bill

from Robert Sparks.

2nd by Gatewood

Roll call- Anderson-y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

Siecke made a motion to that we pay Robert Sparks $680.10 for the bill that was

previously presented. 2nd by Gatewood

Roll call- Anderson-y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

8) CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk presented a flyer from Discover Northeast asking if we wanted to advertise in the

2017 travel guide. There was discussion from the Board whether or not to advertise. It was

decided not to advertise in the guide in 2017.

9) ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Regular Board meeting will be on December 8, 2016 at 4:30 here at City Hall.

Anderson thanked Tolby for her Service in the Armed Forces.

10) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

1) Claims preapproved by Tolby and Kellogg

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted by Siecke and 2nd by Gatewood

Roll Call: Anderson-y, Kellogg-y, Tolby-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

Are there any questions from the audience?

Dale Wolf asked about the light up by the Methodist Church, Luke said that a new ballast

has been ordered.

11) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING

Siecke 2nd Gatewood

Adjournment time 6:32 PM

_________, Chairman

_________, Village Clerk

Fly Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Day


Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in honor of Pearl Harbor Day.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on December 7, 2016.

75 Years Ago Today, Pearl Harbor Bombed


What is Your Favorite Christmas Song?


It’s the time of year to fill the air with Christmas tunes! What is your favorite Christmas song? I have many, but I really enjoy The Christmas Song.

Cara Schulzkump Raabe Mary Did You Know
Hillary Tuttle Hallelujah
Bobette Toalson Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson
Susan Penke White Christmas
Lauri Bundy Canarsky I’ll Be Home for Christmas (maybe not my favorite song, but my pledge)
Jaccie Case Anything by Mannheim Steamroller
Connie VonSeggern Mary Did You Know…
 Joan Lindstrom Wolf I can’t say I have a favorite–I love so many of them.
Marge Maller Too many beautiful songs to choose from. I love Silent Night.
Patti Johnson What child is this
 Judith Hannon Neemann O Holy Night.
Diane Thomas-Greckel O ‘Holy Night & Carol of the Bells
Russell Peterson I do like what child is this by Martina Mcbride
Greg Carlson Grandma got run over by a reindeer, my mom always laughed when she heard it,
Sarah Gramke Christmas Shoes, I think this is the name.

Words May Sting, But Life Goes On


I ran for Oakland City Council. I lost.

That is how life goes. Things didn’t go as I had hoped. But, I am 53 years old and learned that lesson a very long time ago.

I did learn some things that shocked me about small town politics. Not everyone plays nice or fair. I know that is normal in big city politics, and especially national politics, but I have never known it to happen in Oakland Nebraska before.

Oakland City Council wasn’t the main issue on the November ballot. School consolidation was. It did not pass, as a matter of fact, it was soundly voted down by both the Oakland-Craig School district and Tekamah-Herman’s.

As I have said many times before, social media is good and it is bad. In the case of voting this past November, it was bad on many fronts.

I believe social media gives people the ability to say awful things about others that they would never have to nerve to say to their face. Not agreeing with someone is one thing, and is perfectly normal. Diversity helps people to see other points of view. But, not agreeing with someone and saying horrible things about them is something else.

People formed groups on twitter, regularly posting negative things about people or an issue that concerned them. I never read the posts. I am rarely on twitter. But, people told me about them. You could see the hurt on the many faces effected by the negativity being spread as thick as peanut butter. I did see some not so flattering posts on Facebook. I found it shocking that a community of roughly 1,200 people could air so much hatred and continue to do so. It was the other school district involved as well, but living in Oakland for so many years and reading such things was appalling to me.

But, that wasn’t all. I received a couple of messages from people that I have know for years, insulting me. To be honest, I don’t know why. There was also a text that was sent around about me that was not nice at all.

What did I do to deserve that? I just don’t understand. I was appointed to the city council in 2013 to fill a vacant seat. I enjoyed serving the taxpayers and helping any way I could. I will miss it very much.

The one thing I know at the end of the day is: I am proud of me. I didn’t say anything bad about anyone running for office. I didn’t say bad things about others to benefit myself. I am proud to be a good, honest person who doesn’t believe in bringing others down to get my way.

I hope the wounds in Oakland can heal. Some people are very hurt, and rightfully so. This is a small town where people all considered each other friends. They always come together to help one another.

Is that the way it is now? I am not sure.

I am not going to let the words of others hurt me. I am moving on, always taking the path of helping others any way I can.

Did I fail? No. The only way I could fail was if I didn’t try. I will always take pride in who I am, a person that cares deeply about others and wanting to be the best I can be every day.

I only get one round at life and I am going to make it the best, not taking in the negative, but seeking the positive in each and every day I am blessed to open my eyes.

Life is a blessing. I hope all of you are blessed with love and kindness every day!

 

News From Bancroft Senior Center


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

*If you are 60+ and need information on programs designed to help keep you stay in

your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648- 3387 or in the

evening at 402-648- 7648. There are no membership fees or attendance requirements and

new faces are always welcome.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel

chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-

648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives

within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals

on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them

each week. You must call 402-687- 2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day.

The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Dec. 7: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. Sign

up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 8: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Serving rolls and coffee from 9 – 11 a.m.

Walking ex. at 10:30 a.m. FROG ex. that will help improve your balance 1:00 p.m. Come

and play the card game called golf at 1:30 p.m. Make your reservation for the noon meal

tomorrow by 5:00 p.m. today.

Fri. Dec. 9: Join us for coffee at 9:00 a.m. Come and have dinner with us at noon, we will

be having porcupine meatballs with scalloped potatoes. Cards and games will be played

in the afternoon.

Mon. Dec.12: Come and do the FROG balance ex. at 1:00 p.m. the pitch tournament will

be at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 13: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. and walking exercises

at 10:30 p.m. Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 14: No chime practice today. Coffee time at 9:00 a.m. We will play Christmas

bingo at 2:00 p.m.

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We have a fun week coming up this week, on Thursday December 8 th

Charlie Davis will be here to play the harmonica at 2:30 pm. On Friday December

9 th is our Annual Christmas Dinner and Party, for Residents and invited Family

members, dinner starting at 6:00 pm followed by entertainment with Wayne Miller

and Santa Claus making an appearance. Next week on Thursday December 15th is

the monthly general store for residents from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. It is going to be a

Christmas store event for the residents to do some Christmas shopping.

Church Service for Sunday December 11 th will be given by Salem Covenant

Church at 2:30 pm with a luncheon following service. On Tuesday December 13 th

is Catholic Mass by Father Paul at 9:30 am.

Activities for the week of December 12th to December 17th are as follows,

reading with Jill, Manicures, Reminiscing Group, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo

the w/Ev. Free, Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, crafty cooking, Friday Bingo

and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary

Donavan, Anne Anderson, Dani Moseman, Pat Anderson, Nadine Anderson,

Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwe, and Sly Rouse.

Lyons City Council Meeting Agenda


A Copy of the “Open Meetings Act” Has Been Posted on the Bulletin Board on the East Side in the Council

Chambers.

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

December 8, 2016 – 5:30 P.M.

The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time as deemed appropriate and

in accordance with State Statute.

I. ROUTINE BUSINESS

1. Meeting called to order.

II. PUBLIC HEARING

None.

III. CONSENT AGENDA

Recommended Action: Approval of Consent Agenda

NOTE: All items are automatically approved when the Consent Agenda is approved unless moved to the Regular

Agenda by the request of any single Council member.

1. Dispense with reading of minutes of meetings held November 1 and November 7.

2. Claims as presented.

3. Treasurer report.

Motion and second to approve the Consent Agenda/Tabulation of Vote.

********IV. OLD BUSINESS********

Consideration and Action:

1. Approve/not approve hiring of Ron Tenney for the temporary part-time help of removing snow for this

winter season. What wage amount?

a. Motion and second from Council members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

*********V. REGULAR AGENDA / NEW BUSINESS********

Consideration and Action:

1. Oath of Office: Allen Steinmeyer and Carvin Housh as Council Members.

2. Motion to accept the certificate(s) of election issued by the County Clerk of Burt County for the November

8, 2016 City Council General Election. Election certificates containing the vote totals and results are

attached.

a. Motion and second from Council members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

3. Jamie Horter – Discuss Main Street Revitalization ideas.

4. Approve/not approve the Certification to Board of Public Roads Classifications & Standards (NBCS

Forms); and the SSAR report for FY ending Sept 30, 2016.

a. Motion and second from Council members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

5. Police report by Chief Buck.

6. Library & Grant reports by Mike Heavrin.

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

December 8, 2016 – 5:30 P.M.

7. Utilities report.

a. Water Lines in Herb Brink Park.

b. Electric Digger Truck.

c. Snow Removal Employee.

8. Clerk’s Report.

a. Income Statement – General.

b. Income Statement – Utility.

c. Budget Reports – General and Utility.

d. 2017 Holiday Schedule.

e. The One & Six Year Plan will be coming up– -is there any project(s) to be put on the one year list?

9. Approve/not approve a building permit for a 2 car garage to Jon Bacon at 600 South 7 th Ave, Lyons, NE.

a. Motion and second from council Members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

10. Approve/not approve a concrete sidewalk work permit to Jon Bacon at 600 South 7 th Ave, Lyons, NE.

a. Motion and second from council Members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

11. Council to nominate Council President for calendar year 2017.

a. Motion and second from Council members.

b. Tabulation of votes.

12. Mayor recommends the following appointments for January 1 through December 31, 2017:

a. Commissioner for Utilities Distribution & Maintenance: Charlie Wheaton

b. Commissioner for Sanitation, Recycling, & Landfill: Kyle Brink & Carvin Housh

c. Commissioner for Parks, Pools, Recreation, & Community Center: Kyle Brink

d. Commissioner for City Streets: Allen Steinmeyer

e. Audit Committee: Allen Steinmeyer & Carvin Housh

f. City Physician: Lyons Mercy Medical Clinic

g. Board of Health: Lyons Mercy Medical Clinic, Chief Jim Buck, Allen Steinmeyer, & Andrew

Fuston

h. Council Representative to Library: Carvin Housh

i. City Clerk/Treasurer: Mary Lou Ritter

j. City Attorney: Dan Smith

k. Legal Paper: Lyons Mirror-Sun

l. Burt County Economic Development: Kyle Brink & one open position to be filled yet

m. Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District Council of Officials: Allen Steinmeyer

n. Engineering Company: Olsson Associates

o. City Street Superintendent: Chad Kehrt of Olsson Associates

Approve/not approve said appointments above:

1. Motion and second from Council members

2. Tabulation of vote.

13. Discuss Employee Christmas Bonus.

14. Motion and second by Council members to adjourn the meeting.

a. Tabulation of vote.

Donald L. Johanson, 86, of Oakland NE


Donald L. Johanson, age 86, of Oakland, Nebraska passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Colonial Haven in Beemer, Nebraska.  Memorial services will be on Friday, December 9, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.  Burial will in the Oakland Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016, from 5 until 7 p.m. with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland.  Memorials my be directed to the family for later designation.  Pelan Funeral Service in Oakland in charge of arrangements.

Donald LeRoy Johanson was born on February 25, 1930 in Oakland, Nebraska to LeRoy and Lillian Viola (Johnson) Johanson. He passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Colonial Haven Nursing Home in Beemer, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, with his loving wife of 58 years by his side.

He attended rural Rock District #48 school and graduated from Oakland High School in 1948. After high school, Donald served in the United States Coast Guard from January 1951 to January 1954. While in the Coast Guard he was stationed in Alameda, California and then was assigned to Far Rockaway, New York. Upon his discharge from the service, he returned back home to Oakland and engaged in farming along with his father.

On July 27, 1958 he married Lura Belle Pronske at Immanuel Lutheran Church near rural Hooper, Nebraska. To this union three children were born, Scott, Lisa and Steve. Donald and Lura spent their entire married life on the family farm west of Oakland.

During his time engaged in farming, Donald served on many board of directors including the Pioneer and Oakland Cemetery, Rock School District #48, Burt County Weed Control and the Farmer’s Co-Op boards. He was a lifetime member of Oakland VFW Ryan Post #5543. Donald was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and previously a member of the First Baptist Church in Oakland. Donald was also employed for 19 years by the Oakland Post Office as a rural relief mail carrier and he retired from that employment in April 2004.

Don didn’t have many hobbies, but he loved visiting with his coffee buddies at the local cafes. Most mornings you could find Don making the rounds at the local coffee shops and engaging in conversations with friends, neighbors and many times, complete strangers. He never missed an opportunity to visit with people and would always take the time to stop and talk. Don and Lura looked forward to annual trips to Minnesota to go fishing for a few days, a pastime they both enjoyed.

However, his favorite passion was simply being a farmer. Don had a deep love for the land and farming. He particularly enjoyed tending to his livestock and the farm never had a shortage of animals with cattle, hogs, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats. Don was active with the local 4-H chapter, as his grandsons became involved in showing cattle and sheep. Family and relatives always enjoyed coming to the farm to feed and pet the animals, as they all had a name and were tame.

In 2006, Don retired from his love of farming and passed the reigns to his grandson. Don always joked that he never really retired because he was working harder now, as his grandson always had something for him to do. As Don grew older, his passion for farming changed to a passion for his family. His love for his family was evident by the countless smiles that brightened his face when people spoke of his family. Don was a lifelong resident of Oakland and was well known to many people. It would be difficult to find a friendlier, happy man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Scott and Steve Johanson; brother-in-law, James Miller.

Donald is survived by his wife, Lura; daughter, Lisa Frederickson of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Tony (Melanie) Johanson of Oakland, Tyler (Jacque) Frederickson of Independence, MO, Stephanie (Chris) Meierant of Grover, MO, Clark Johanson and his fiancé Lindsey Comings of Lexington, NE and Lura E. Johanson of Grand Island, NE; great grandchildren, Landon and Jordan Meierant and Hayden Johanson. Also surviving is his sister, Donna Lee Miller of Oakland, CA.

Don Johanson

Don Johanson