Donna M. (Steele) Claudson, age 85, of North Platte passed away at Linden Court on September 3, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Kenneth L. Claudson, who died at home May 29, 2016 at the age of 87.
Donna was born September 4, 1930 to Ray and Ruth (Siver) Steele in Arnold, NE, grew up on a farm near Powell Canyon, attending a one-room country school through the 8th grade. She boarded in Arnold to attend high school, graduating in 1948.
Kenneth was also born in Arnold on December 10, 1928 to Loyal and Marie (Eastburn) Claudson. His family moved many times during his early years, and were living in Fort Collins, CO when Ken was stricken at age 12 with osteomyelitis, a crippling infection of the bones. Ken was treated at Spears Chiropractic Hospital in Denver, CO, where he was their first patient, in 1941. After five years he was able to walk again, and returned to Arnold in 1946.
He and Donna were married in North Platte on November 10, 1949, and lived in a small basement apartment in Arnold. They moved to Columbus, NE in 1952, where Ken was employed at KC Auto Supply, and their three children were born. They moved to North Platte in 1964, and Ken worked at Sidles Automotive until 1976, when they bought the Park motel on North Jeffers Street. They were business partners and constant companions from then on, retiring in 1994.
Ken and Donna re-furnished antique furniture and collected lamps, crocks, and glassware. Donna was an accomplished seamstress and upholsterer and loved to paint. Ken enjoyed meeting people in his business, working in his wood shop, and going to auctions. He was a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker, and together they re-modeled every housed they owned.
Ken and Donna leave behind a large, close-knit family. Survivors include, daughters Kay (David) Edson of Saint Joseph, MO, and Kari (Patrick) Richards of North Platte, NE; son, Kelly (Deb) Claudson of North Platte; grandchildren, Kris (Connie) Richards of North Platte, NE, Paul Morris of Saint Joseph, MO, Michelle (Shaun) Pagel, Sara (Chris) Ningen, Austin Claudson, Candace (John) White, and Ethan Claudson all of North Platte, Ne; and seven precious great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established in Ken and Donna’s name to purchase a park bench for Centennial Park. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with private family inurnment in the Arnold Cemetery. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.