Donald Frank Cheloha

Donald F. Cheloha was born November 7, 1938 in Columbus, Nebraska to Frank and Helen (Ziemba) Cheloha. He grew up in Duncan, Nebraska, and attended school there, graduating from Duncan High School in 1956. Growing up, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, trapshooting, and picking mushrooms. Donald served in the United States Army and the Nebraska National Guard for 5 years from June 1962 until his honorable discharge in August 1967. Before enlisting in the Army, Donald married Edna Tworek on May 5, 1962 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born; Deborah, Donald J., David and Dale. Don and Edna settled in Omaha to raise their family. Don worked as a Manager, Auditor and Accountant in the Natural gas business. He was also an accomplished trainer of Thoroughbred horses and was proud of the different stakes races he won through the years at Horseman’s Park and Fonner Park. He even taught his kids how to ride the horses. Don will be remembered as a hard-working, strong-willed man. He could be silly, but was very smart, and was a role model for many. He was active with the Polish Home and enjoyed listening to Polka music. He was a big fan of the Huskers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, and could be found at times, sipping a glass of bourbon. Don was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking and entertaining. He especially loved card playing, fishing and taking the kids fishing. He cherished his family and was proud of his 60 years of marriage to Edna, his four children, and all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don will be greatly missed because he was the one you went to when you needed answers, advice, or just to vent. Don passed away unexpectedly in Omaha, Nebraska on Monday, November 21, 2022, at the age of 84 years and 14 days. He was preceded in death by parents Frank and Helen, and brother Gary Cheloha. Don is survived by his wife Edna, children; Deborah (Rick) Scarborough of Lenexa, KS, Donald J. of Columbus, NE, David of Redondo Beach, CA, and Dale (Pat) of Omaha, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, brother Ken (Pat) Cheloha of Lincoln, NE, sister-in-law Karen Cheloha of Lincoln, NE, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral Mass Monday, 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Interment with military honors Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Sunday 3-6 PM with a Wake service at 6 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Memorials to the family for later designation.

Donald Frank Cheloha

November 7, 1938 - November 21, 2022