Donald R. Wietjes

Donald R. Wietjes, 75 of Kearney passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney. Interment will follow at Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel with military honors provided by the Kearney American Legion Post #52 and Kearney VFW Post #749 in conjunction with the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Casual attire is requested for those attending the service and/or visitation. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family of Joey Eggelston to help with medical and travel expenses for his son Josh’s care. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Don was born November 24, 1948 in Kearney, NE to Amos and Genevieve (Bosle) Wietjes. He attended elementary school at District 55 and District 16. He later attended Kearney High School, graduating with the class of 1967. In 1968, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1969, he then returned to the area where he farmed North of Kearney and ranched West of Pleasanton for many years. In 1973, Don was united in marriage to Mary Jo Nickman. Don was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kearney American Legion, Kearney VFW and the 2nd Infantry (Indian Head) Division Association. He enjoyed farming, ranching, fishing, hunting, calling Pam and wanting help with something NOW, eating food that was prepared by literally anyone else but him, and being ridiculed by friends for being a longtime Royals Fan even when they were good. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Pam (Lanny) Gibbs of Pleasanton, Karen (John) Johnson of Kansas City, MO and John (Lana) Wietjes of Ravenna; grandchildren, Clay and Riley Wietjes; mother, Genevieve Wietjes of Kearney; siblings, Brenda (Keith) Martin of San Antonio, TX, Rodney (Connie) Wietjes of Liberty, MO, Dennis Wietjes of York, NE and Kristi (Rich) George of Snohomish, WA; his sidekick, Rufus; as well as many extended family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his father, Amos; brother, Jerry Wietjes; and his beloved dogs, Clyde, Duke and Hank.

Donald R. Wietjes

November 24, 1948 - November 23, 2024