Donald Marius Kroese, 79, passed away on September 21, 2025. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2024, Donald fought a strong battle and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus while being surrounded by family in his home in Auburn, Nebraska.

On December 28, 1945, Donald was born to Marius and Gladys (Nyland) Kroese, as their only child. Donald graduated from Panama High School in Panama, Nebraska. Following high school, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree. He played the baritone saxophone in the Cornhusker Marching Band.

On February 14, 1969, he married his beautiful wife, Sheryl (Deoschot) Kroese, in a snowstorm. Through this union, they were blessed with 10 children. Donald worked 32 years for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, which he did in addition to farming. After his retirement, he kept himself busy by driving a bus for the local Norris School District for over a decade, during which he found great joy.

Donald was a man of many hobbies and talents. He was gifted musically, with both instruments and his voice. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in all of their various activities. Donald has always enjoyed his animals. From raising animals on his farm to the later years, when he and his wife, Sheryl, enjoyed their dogs. Donald went above and beyond to meet the needs of his family. He was truly a jack of all trades. But above all else, Donald was a man of strong faith. He modeled his faith for his children and grandchildren, always leading the family in heartfelt prayer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl (Doeschot) Kroese. His surviving children include: Daughter in law, Shawntell (Hurtgen) Kroese, Son, Kase (Alison) Kroese, Daughter Angela (Matthew) Morrison, Son Zachary Kroese, Daughter Rebecca (Ryan) Revis, Daughter Deborah (Dusty) Fahrnbruch, Daughter Hannah (Jon) Jessen, Daughter Abigail (Joseph) Harris, and Daughter Gretchen (William) Haer. He was also survived by his 29 grandchildren: Ellie French, Reese Pichler, Hadley Kroese, Landon Kroese, Jenavieve Kroese, Andrew Kroese, Collin Morrison, Isaiah Kroese, Jackson Kroese, Jonathan Kroese, Olivia Cook, McKenna Revis, Gwyneth Revis, Silas Revis, Celia Revis, Eva Fahrnbruch, Addison Fahrbruch, Vivienne Fahrnbruch, Rhett Fahrnbruch, Nolan Jessen, Isabelle Jessen, Caroline Jessen, Caleb Jessen, Peter Jessen, Dashle Harris, Spencer Harris, Hendrik Harris, Kruse E. Haer, and Opal Haer. As well as his three great-grandchildren: Henry Kroese, Sutton Kroese, and Archer French.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Marius and Gladys Kroese, his in-laws Harlan and Goldie Doeschot, his son Bruce Kroese, and daughter Katherine Mattie Kroese.

A graveside committal service was held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Pella Cemetery near Adams, officiated by Pastor Kyle Helmink. Serving as casket bearers were Matthew Morrison, Ryan Revis, Dusty Fahrnbruch, Jon Jessen, Joseph Harris, and William Haer. Honorary bearers were Isaiah Kroese, Silas Revis, Rhett Fahrnbruch, Nolan Jessen, Dashle Harris, Kruse E. Haer, Landon Kroese, Andrew Kroese, and Jackson Kroese. A memorial service followed burial on Thursday at Lincoln Berean Church in Lincoln, also officiated by Pastor Kyle Helmink.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn. ***********