Don graduated from Penn State University in 1959 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Following college graduation, he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and worked 20 years for American Stores. Shortly after arriving in Lincoln, Don was drafted and served 18 months in Korea gaining his U.S. Army Veteran status. Don was a dreamer and entrepreneur. He wanted to become a cattleman and convinced his parents to move to Nebraska upon his dad’s retirement. In addition to developing a cow-calf operation with his brother Jack, Don established a Christmas tree business at Pine Crest Farms, one of the early tree farms. The cattle operation grew to over 500 head; he retired from farming to become an innkeeper with his sister-in-law, opening a bed and breakfast on the property known as Pine Crest Farms B&B. One of Don’s last entrepreneurial ventures was visioning a property in Lincoln’s Haymarket, the oldest building in this historic district. Formerly Seaton & Lea Ironworks, this building now houses LeadBelly’s American pub.
Don was a generous and kind man, an exceptional brother, a friend to many and an excellent storyteller.
He is survived by brother John (Jack) Gould and sister-in-law Harriet of rural Valparaiso; nieces Donna Gould (Matthew Wegener) of Lincoln and Becky Gould (Jeff Nelson) of Valparaiso. Great nieces include Verity Wegener, Lincoln, and Meredith and Olivia Nelson, Valparaiso.
Cremation. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorials to the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences online at Roperandsons.com