Donald Duane Kovar passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Born on Aug. 27, 1937, to Joseph and Elsie Kovar, Don, he touched the lives of many with his strong work ethic and sense of humor.
He married Betty Rae Springer on Sept. 20, 1959, and they raised two loving children on the family farm in Wilber. He was dedicated to his family, enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting and always had a dog by his side.
He was a graduate of the class of 1955 of Wilber High School and went on to serve in the United States Army where he was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. After marrying Betty, they moved to Lincoln, where he started his career as a brick mason with Dhal and Batterman. He and Betty returned to the family farm in 1962, where he began his lifelong career as a farmer as well as starting his own masonry company. In 1979, Don established Don Kovar Sales and Service, where he sold Grasshopper lawnmowers as well as lawn services. Don was a member and president of the Farmer’s Cooperative Wilber, an active member of the Wilber Lions Club and a member of the Wilber Gun Club.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Kovar; parents, Joseph and Elsie Kovar; brother, Roger Kovar; and foster brother, Otto Jurena and wife, Henrietta.
He is survived by children, Russ and wife Donna Kovar, Kim and husband Joe Anderson; grandchildren, Nick and wife Breanna Kovar, Brandon and wife Kaitlyn Kovar, Tanner, Foster and Carter Zlab, Grant, Elise and Josh Anderson and fiancé Valerie Kepler; brother, Joseph and wife Nel Kovar; and sister in-law, Jane Kovar.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to Wilber Fire and Rescue. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.kunclfh.com.
