Don married Marlene Sinner on August 22, 1956. They met while attending school in Harvard. He also had worked summers for her dad on their farm.
Don attended Loup City Public Schools from Kindergarten – fourth grade in Loup City, Nebraska. He attended fifth – twelfth grades at Harvard Public School in Harvard, Nebraska, graduating in 1952. He had a love of sports from a young age. He played on both the basketball and football teams at Harvard School.
Don attended Hastings College from 1952 – 1956 obtaining his BA. He then attended the University of Iowa, 1956 – 1957, where he obtained his Physical Therapy Certificate. After graduation, Don and Marlene moved to Beatrice, Nebraska where he began his Physical Therapy career at the Mennonite Hospital working from 1957 – 1959.
In 1959 they moved to Lincoln where Don began working at Lincoln General Hospital. He was responsible for setting up the Physical Therapy department. He worked there as Director of Physical Therapy from 1959 – 1990. He helped so many people over his career. Both his staff and the medical community he worked with looked up to him for his caring and genuine compassion he had for each of his patients. He enjoyed helping patients to feel better. He was always ready to try new treatments if it would benefit them. He was recognized for his unending efforts by receiving Employee of the Year.
He worked at Tabitha home Health Care from 1962 – 2002. He was a consultant with the State Examining Board from 1960 – 1964; Tabitha Nursing Home from 1962 – 1999; Goldcrest Nursing Home from 1965 – 1990; Eastmont Towers from 1965 – 1989; Milder Manor from 1965 – 1992; Holmes Lake Manor 1980 – 1999; Nebraska Penal System from 1980 – 1990 and the Regional Center.
He volunteered with Tabitha Hospice from 1980 – 1992, with the Senior Companion Program from 2001 – 2007. While volunteering with the State Department of Transportation he was recognized with the ‘Admirals in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska’ award by the Governor for the many contributions he made. He volunteered for early 30 years with the Husker Track Officials Association with the University of Nebraska Beginning in 1978. In 1990 he was a Nebraska Track and Field Service Award winner.
Don and Marlene became members of First Presbyterian Church in 1959. He served as both a Deacon and an Elder. From 2005 – 2007 he served as the Property Chairman in the Church. Don’s faith has always been an important part of his daily life.
Don and Marlene were season ticket holders for the Nebraska Husker football and basketball season. Don and his family attended several Bowl games over the years. He also enjoyed track, volleyball, fishing, and hunting. Don and Marlene enjoyed traveling on several trips and a cruise.
Don is proceeded in death by his wife Marlene and her parents Marvin and Edna Sinner, his parents Reverend Lewis and Frieda Marx, two sisters Edna Mae (Donald) Hughes and Dorothy Marx, his brother Melvin (Jean) Marx, nephew Bill Hughes, great niece Gwendolyn Ihrie, granddaughter Darcy’s husband Brian Wiles, and granddaughter Sydney’s husband Lucas Brunssen. He is survived by his three children Debra (Mark) Knopik, Diane Devine, and Denise Marx. His six grandchildren Derek (Cyan) Lunzmann, Jennifer (Shawn) Baker, Darcy Wiles, Kyle (Mariah) Seuss, Sydney Brunssen, Sam Lowe, and nine great-grandchildren. His niece Susan Marx and nephews Mark Hughes, Tom Marx and Doug (Katie) Marx.
Funeral service: 11:00 am Monday, October 14, 2024, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Visitation with family present will be from 1-3 pm Sunday, October 13, 2024, Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hastings College.