Donald L. “Don” Petska, 94, of Ord passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the Valley County Health System in Ord.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021; at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Scott Harter will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School or the Ord Food Pantry. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Leon was born to Joseph F. and Lillian (Suchanek) Petska on July 15, 1927, at Arcadia, Nebraska. He was raised in the rural areas of Arcadia and Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1945.
Don married Norma Owens in 1952. The couple lived on farms southwest of Ord, until moving to their current farm in 1959. Don and Norma were blessed with four children, Janie, Kerry, Marty, and Mickie.
Don farmed and ranched his entire life, starting Hillcrest Ranch, and proudly worked alongside his sons and grandsons. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Don’s passions were his cattle and attending cattle sales. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
In many ways, Don outlived his 94 years on earth, having survived too many run-ins with angry cows and uncooperative farming equipment. He could find a creative solution to just about any problem; and if there was a deal to be had, Don would make it. Above all, he loved his family. Don’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always cherish memories of fishing, swimming, whiffle ball games, potlucks, and laughter together at his sandpits north of Ord.
Don loved Norma fiercely. He approached everything he did with heart, determination, and grit, including caring for her in her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.
Don’s survivors include four children, Janie (Dale) Zadina, Kerry (Shelly) Petska, Marty (Patricia) Petska, and Mickie Petska, all of Ord; grandchildren Nathan (Veeve) Holtz, Nikki (Mike) Pfeil, Kara (Gabe) Cordell, Travis Petska, Trevor (Beckie) Petska, Rory (Britney) Petska, Dr. Rachel (Adam) Wade, Jesse Petska, Heather (Brian) Zaruba, Chad (Leah) Petska, Kurt (Ashley) Petska, Samantha Bryan, Casey Miller, and Taylor (Logan) Miller; 24 great-grandchildren; and one expectant great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents; two brothers, Emanuel and Eugene Petska; and a sister, Delores Benson.
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