Donald Eichner

DONALD G. EICHNER, 87, of Ogallala, NE, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at his home.

Don was born November 9, 1936, at North Platte, Nebraska to Rinehart and Mayme (Braesch) Eichner. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1954.

Don married Mary Goscha on September 6, 1958, at Oberlin, Kansas, and the couple made their home in Ogallala. Don and Mary were blessed with four children: Terri, Greg, Pat, and Tim.

Don worked in agriculture his entire life, notably at the Farmers Coop Elevator, retiring as manager in 2001. Don was both generous with his time and lacked the ability to say "no." He could reliably be found volunteering for various Optimists events, setting up countless flags on holidays with his grandson, Vince, working the table at Wrestling meets and at the State Tournament, umpiring baseball and softball games, serving on the Keith County Senior Center Board, or advocating for Brother's Keepers.

Don was a talented woodworker, known especially for his scroll work and ability to restore furniture. Many of Don's works adorn the halls and walls of both St. Paul's and St. Luke's Churches in Ogallala. He also loved photography.

In his youth, Don was skillful in the rollerskating rink, which is how he met his wife, Mary. He loved to play cards, especially poker and 5-point pitch. Don had an incurable sweet tooth and loved to end his day with ice cream, which was only made sweeter when shared with one of his beloved grandchildren sitting on his lap.

Don was a patriot and a man of deep faith. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala, where he'd served as a Trustee and Elder over the years. He loved watching and supporting his grandchildren, attending their sporting events or musical programs, and looked forward to his and Mary's annual trips to the memorial services at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Don was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Donald Eichner, and his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Eichner of Ogallala; children, Terri (Calvin) Hoover of Paxton, Sister Pat Eichner of Concordia, KS, Tim (Becky) Eichner of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Vince (Katy) Hoover of Ogallala, Dan (Carly) Hoover of Littleton, CO, Miranda Doremus-Reznor (Tyler Clark) of Soledad, CA, Mariah, Elliana, and Emma Eichner all of Scottsbluff, NE; four great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a brother, LaVern (Connie) Eichner of Ogallala; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or The Keith County Senior Center in memory of Don. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1:30 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala with Pastor Albert Bader officiating. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. A reception will follow at the St. Paul's Lutheran Fellowship Hall.

Visitation will be at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala on Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.