Donald John Arensdorf, age 86, of Lincoln, formerly of North Platte, passed away on Nov. 10, 2012, at Bryan LGH East.
Don was born April 9, 1926, south of Sutherland, to John Peter and Susie (Unruh) Arensdorf, the fourth of eight children. He attended school in Maxwell and County Center, and then St. Patrick’s School in North Platte. He graduated from St. Pat’s in 1944 and was drafted into the Army that same year. He served in action in the Philippine Islands and Korea. He was honorably discharged in July 1946.
Don returned to North Platte and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal carrier in 1948. He retired after 35 years of service. After retirement from the USPS, he worked various part-time jobs at the Pepsi Bottling Co., manager of the VFW, and drove the Handi-bus.
He married Rose Mae Fuller. To this union three daughters were born: Shirley Rae, Sharon Kay and Nancy Ann. Don was preceded in death by his wife Rose; his brothers, Francis (Fritz), Edmon (Ed), Dean, and Marvin Arensdorf; his sisters Doris Clinch Maline and Garnet Lehl; and grandson Donovan Martin.
Don is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jean; and daughters, Shirley (Ron) Roeber in Lincoln, Sharon (Dennis) Seaton in Baton Rouge, La., and Nancy Arensdorf in Lincoln. He has three step-daughters, Deborah (Douglas) Pierce-Cramer in Grand Island, Dee Ann (John) Gross in Osawatomie, Kan., and Susan (Mark) Synovec in Auburn, Kan. He has 11 grandchildren, Sarah (Michael) Crawford, Seth Synovec, Kyle (Ashley) Roeber, Todd Roeber, Lindsay Martin, Benjamin Martin, Stacey Pierce, Dustin Pierce, Amy Marick, Greg (Anna) Gross, Laura (Derrick) Moore; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Tryg Moore; his brother, Robert (Lovettta) Arensdorf; as well as sisters-in-laws, many nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Don loved the outdoors. Spending time with his family and playing cards were favorite activities.
Don was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte, and of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lincoln. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, V.F.W., the Knights of Columbus, and the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association , The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Diabetes Association , the National Epilepsy Foundation or the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.adamsswanson.com
Christian Wake services will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Adams & Swanson Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with the Rev. James Golka as celebrant. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, with full military honors. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.