Donovan Endorf

Donovan Ray Endorf, 78, of Daykin, Neb., the son of William H. and Laura Rohr Endorf was born on Sept. 25, 1942, in Friend, Neb. He died May 12, 2021 at Jefferson Community Hospital, Fairbury.

He was baptized on Oct. 11, 1942, by C.F. Schrein at Zion Lutheran Church in Tobias, Neb. He attended Zion Lutheran School and was confirmed by Pastor Edwin Beckler on Psalm Sunday, March 25, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church.

He attended Daykin High School and graduated on May 19, 1960. He attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, receiving a bachelor's of science in civil engineering and continued on to receive his master's degree. He began working at the Boeing Aircraft Company in 1965 as an engineer working with the Fuselage, Special Weapons and Landing Gear Group on the B-52 aircraft. He enjoyed a long career in the aircraft industry working on numerous commercial airplane models, various military assignments as well as being a part of Boeing NASA support in the Apollo structures validation task force.

Donovan married Doris Hoff at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita, on June 10, 1978. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita for 35 years where he served in various offices and on numerous boards. He enjoyed setting up Christmas displays and sharing them with friends for more than 30 years.

He retired in 2008 after 42 plus years working as a structural and stress engineer for the Boeing Aircraft Company and Spirit Aerospace. He, along with Doris, then began to live out his dream of refurbishing two old farmhouses and turning them into a bed and breakfast in the town of Daykin. Along with caring for the B&B, he enjoyed gardening and taking care of the yard work.

Donovan is survived by his wife, Doris (Hoff) Endorf of Daykin; his brother, Willard Endorf of Gardenside Long Term Care in Fairbury; his son, Dale (Meghan) Endorf of Nelson, Neb.; daughter, Dora (Aaron) Fiet of Golden, Colo.; seven grandchildren; Gavin Endorf, Sophie Fiet, Evan Endorf, Addison Fiet, Sheffield Fiet, Emma Fiet and Jack Fiet; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marlys Horn of Joplin, Mo., Lois Douthit of Springdale,Ark., Phyllis Tresner of Bentonville, Ark., Dale (Sandra) Hoff of Little Rock, Ark., Wayne (Betty)Hoff of Springdale, Ark., Avis (Darrel) Duncan of Rogers, Ark., Nelva House of Springdale, Ark., and Ardell (Roger) Bell of Garfield, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

Donovan was preceded in death by his parents, William and Laura; sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Willard) Endorf and Julie Hoff; and brothers-in-law, Charles Horn, Odie Tresner and Larry House.

His funeral was at 11 a.m. Monday, at Zion Lutheran Church – Tobias. The family greeted friends Sunday evening at the funeral home from 4 to 6.

Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.