Donald B. “Don” Klase age 85 a Sandhills Rancher of Hyannis, NE passed away March 30, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Gering, NE after a brave battle with cancer surrounded by family and friends.
Don was born on May 1, 1927 in Davenport, WA to Bernard and Winifred (Ogilive) Klase. He spent his early childhood in San Diego, CA and moved to his beloved Sandhills at the age of 14. He graduated High School in Curtis, NE in 1945.
In his younger days he was a skilled hunter. He guided elk hunting trips outside of Cody, WY. He also spent a year working colts in New Mexico. However, he missed his Sandhills and moved home for good returning to the family ranch in 1957. Soon after, he met his wife to be Lily May Sipes on a blind date. They were married on January 23, 1961 in Kansas City, MO, a marriage lasting 52 years. Don and Lily were blessed with four children. His family all remembers him as a wise and wonderful husband and father. Don was a hardworking rancher. There was little that he could not repair or build and he especially enjoyed being a faithful Steward of the Lord.
Don is survived by wife Lily, children; Kent and Karen Dunovan, Scottsbluff, NE, Christy and Bruce Griffith, Longmont CO, Jack and Judy Klase, Boulder, CO, and Amy Klase, Longmont, CO. Grandchildren; Kyle, Megan and Shannon Dunovan, Austin, Lislie, Monica and Victor Griffith, Benjamin and Samuel Klase and Sawyer Foster-Klase; sister Pat Hayward.
He is preceded in death by parents Bernard and Winifred Klase and Aunt Martha Gladden.
Arrangements are made through Mullen Funeral Home.
Memorials are directed to American Cancer Society or the Hyannis United Church of Christ.
Services are Thursday, Aril 4th at 2 PM MDT at United Church of Christ at Hyannis. Burial will be in the Hyannis Cemetery.