Donald W. Elgert

Donald W. Elgert, 72 of Gladstone, NE passed away July 30, 2016 at his home. He was born to Walter & Verna (McDonald) Elgert on November 24, 1943 in Fairbury, NE. He was a Vietnam Army Veteran.

Survivors include wife Kathy of Gladstone, sons Jake (Gina) Elgert of Savannah, MO, Eric (Paula) Elgert of Yutan, NE, 5 grandchildren, brother Bob (Sharon) Elgert of Fairbury, and sisters LaVonna (Jim) Evans, Barb (Chad) Geiger all of Lincoln.

Services will be Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ at Gladstone with Pastor Bill Jardine officiating. Burial will be at Zion UCC Cemetery at Gladstone. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Cremation has taken place. A register book is available at the funeral home. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. Born on November 24, 1943 in Fairbury Nebraska to Walter and Verna Elgert. Don is the oldest of 4 and married to Kathryn Elgert. Don and Kathy were married on August 6, 1964 in Fairbury. This Saturday would have been their 52nd wedding anniversary. Don and Kathy moved a little before settling in Aurora Nebraska where Jake and Eric attended school. Don and Kathy moved back to Gladstone in 1989. Jake and Gina have 3 children. One of whom proceeded Don in death as an infant. Eric and Paula have 3 children.

Served in the Army in Fort Sill OK for 2 years before working with his Uncle Buddy learning much of what he knew with regard to construction.

Don was a man of integrity, honesty and hard work along with being a great husband and provider.

Don had his own business for a time before working for Crane Construction for almost 30 years building Wal Marts, Sam’s Clubs, Kohl’s and Grocery Stores. He has built his own house and new houses for others. He worked on many remodeling projects (many of them for people who are here today) and reconstructed every inch of his current house. He was a true Craftsman!

Family was very important to Don. Attending grandchildren’s events was something he thoroughly enjoyed. He often wished they were closer so he could attend more. He was a great PaPa to the grandchildren.

Don volunteered his time and talent by laying the brick for the church sign, building the cross above the altar you see today., He also worked on the parsonage.

He served on the Church Council for the last 3 years.

He has touched so many lives and was such a thoughtful, kind and that has touched many people as you can see by the people here today.

He will be greatly missed by all the people he touched!