Donald E Boberg

Donald Egbert Boberg was born on June 17, 1919 on the kitchen table at the family home in Valley, Nebraska to Eskel and Leona (Egbert) Boberg. He grew up in Valley where he attended grade school and graduated from Valley High School in 1937. As a young boy, Don enjoyed singing with his family, hunting, fishing, football and all outdoor activities. At the age of four, Don accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and he was an active member of the Baptist-Presbyterian Church in Valley. Don went on to receive a Business Degree from Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska. Don was called to serve his country during WWII in January of 1942. He served in the Army Air Corp, spending time in the Philippines as a Forward Artillery spotter. He was shot down on a mission and crawled on his belly for three days to get himself and a friend back to safety. Don was discharged as a Captain in March of 1946 with a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Don married Kathryn Sumnick on February 14, 1943 at the church parsonage in Valley, Nebraska and to this union two daughters were born: Juliann and Cynthia.. Don and Kathryn lived at military bases in North Carolina and Denton, Texas before returning to Valley after the war. Don worked for the Union Pacific Railroad his entire career, retiring as a conductor in 1978 after 41 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, reading, photography, golf and barbershop chorus. Don faithfully visited friends in the hospital and was an avid competitor in the local Christmas Light contest. He was a dedicated member of the United Faith Community Church, serving in many capacities over the years, teaching Sunday school and was the Board Treasurer for an extended time. Don was active in the American Legion Post #58 in Valley, the Last Man’s Club and Victory Lodge #310 A.F. and A.M. He was a member of the Pathfinders Chorus for 20 years and spent many years caring for the Valley Cemetery. Holidays were special to Don and he always remembered special occasions with a gift or card. He took challenges seriously and worked diligently to complete all tasks in a professional manner. Don will be fondly remembered for his signature exclamation “Good Grief”. Don passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009 at the Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Eskel and Leona, wife Kathryn and sister Yvonne Switzer. Don is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Julie and Mike Ury of Valley, Nebraska and Cynthia and Richard O’Leary of Hillman, Michigan;6 grandchildren Gregory Davidson, Jeremy Davidson, Andra Davidson Phillips, Kathryn O’Leary, Anne O’Leary and Shane Ury, 4 great-grandchildren Joel Christopher, Caleb Andrew, Reed Evan, and Clare Kathryn.

Donald E Boberg

June 17, 1919 - November 26, 2009