Donald Lee Itzen

Donald Lee Itzen, age 88, passed away on November 14th, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 17th, 1937, on a farm south of Concordia, Kansas to Henry D. and Renste (Mier Onnen), the youngest of 6 kids. His family moved to Gilead Nebraska where he would call home until his death.

Don was baptized in the Evangelical Church near Gladstone and carried a quiet, steady faith throughout his life. He graduated from Fairbury High School before being volunteer drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1957 to 1959, including time stationed in Germany. He spoke often of this experience and took great pride in having served his country.

On September 6th, 1959, Don married the love of his life, Barbara (Burbridge). They built a life together and faced every season with strength, love, and sacrifice. To this marriage they had 3 children, Mike, Kurt, and Carol. Their marriage spanned 53 years before she passed away in 2013.

A lifelong farmer, Don loved his cows and hogs, and some of his happiest days were spent farming alongside his brother, sons and grandsons. A few years and many hardships, as Don would quote from a local pastor, farming was not always perfect, but he pursued one day at a time. He took great pride in watching the next generations develop the same love for farming that had shaped his own life. Seeing his grandsons embrace agriculture brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

He lived quietly, loved deeply, and found joy in life’s simple blessings—a successful day of farming, the contented sound of livestock in the lot, spending time with his daughter Carol, and the laughter of family gathered around him. Don will be remembered for his hard work, humility, and the legacy he leaves in the family he loved so deeply.

Don was reunited in heaven with his parents Henry and Renste (Onnen); his beloved wife Barbara; his son Mike; his in-laws Edwin and Ann Burbidge; siblings Irene Husa ( Frank), Anna Maish (Thaine), Bernice Bauer (Ed), Henry Itzen (Mary), and Loretta Spidaliera (John); and brothers-in-law Bobby and Richard.

He will be missed by his children Kurt (Anne) and Carol, daughter in law Eileen; his grandchildren Aaron (Krista), Justin (Lacey), Brian (Whitney), Renste (Eric), Jean (Jacob), and Ashley; and his great-grandchildren Raegan and Everett Itzen; Guinevere and Clark Moeller; Blakely and Maisyn Itzen; Rylan and Rowen Itzen; sister-in-law Diane and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cottonwood Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Don’s final moments.