Donavon Pohlmeier

Donavon J. Pohlmeier, 87, Hastings, Nebraska formerly of Lawrence, died on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022 at his home in Hastings. Rosary was at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28. Mass was at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lawrence, with Father Jamie Hottovy officiating. Burial with military rites by Kent Kailey Post 45 and the Army National Guard Honor's Team was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Lawrence. Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m.,Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the Lawrence Visitation Chapel. A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born on July 14, 1935, to Ernest H. and Charlotte M. (Buescher) Pohlmeier in Nuckolls County. He attended Sacred Heart School and Lawrence High School graduating in 1953. He then attended the University of Nebraska. Don was drafted into the Army on Feb. 18, 1958, and served until Feb. 17, 1960. After serving his country, he joined his father in farming and raising turkeys. On Sept. 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Delores Svoboda at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Hastings. They were married for 57 years. To this union, four children were raised on the family farm: Kevin, Darrell, Gary and Marie. Don and Delores lived on the farm until 2020 when they moved to Hastings.

Don was taught to farm at an early age and raised turkeys until he retired. After retirement, he did some truck driving around the area. He had been chairman of the Lawrence School Board, member of the Nuckolls County Board of Commissioners, Mid Nebraska Individual Services, Nebraska Turkey Growers, Nebraska Poultry Industries of which he was named the Person of the Year in 1991, and was inducted into the hall of fame in 1996. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus for 61 years, Elks Lodge, past trustee and lector of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a member of Kent Kailey American Legion Post.

Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed seeing his family in all activities. Don and Delores were great Husker fans and attended many football games. They enjoyed going on many trips together. He was a great storyteller and the family enjoyed every new and old story.

Don is survived by his wife, Delores, Hastings; two sons, Kevin Pohlmeier, Lawrence, and Gary Pohlmeier, Lincoln, Nebraska; one daughter and son-in-law, Marie (Bob) Clemens, Omaha; daughter-in-law, Lindsey Pohlmeier, Aurora, Nebraska; sister, Marya Pohlmeier, St. Charles, Missouri; six grandchildren, Gage and Griffin Pohlmeier, Ryken and Jorja Pohlmeier and Natalie and Grant Clemens.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Darrell and infant James Pohlmeier.