Donald J. Vietz Obituary (1938 - 2018)

Donald J. Vietz, 80, of Sterling, Nebraska, passed away April 10, 2018, at his home. He was born April 2, 1938, in Denhoff, North Dakota, the son of Louie and Carrie (Fandrich) Vietz. Donald graduated from Denhoff High School with the class of 1956. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Kentucky. There he married Shirley Fisher in 1958. Together, they returned to North Dakota where they bought a small farm near McClusky. After selling the farm in 1963 they moved to Nebraska. Shirley passed away on July 19, 1975. Donald later remarried to Betty Becker Smith in 1983 in Lincoln, Nebraska, she passed away June 9, 2012. Donald was a mechanic for Texaco and Phillips 66 and later worked for the University of Nebraska Forestry Department from where he retired in 2000. Donald loved fishing, camping and spending time on his Bass Buggy Pontoon Boat. He also enjoyed woodworking, puzzles, playing pitch and book and run, and "cheating" at Parcheesi with his children and grandchildren. Donald was a Boy ScoutMaster for years teaching several, including his children and grandchild, the love for the outdoors. Donald is survived by his children, Sherri (Steve) Weiss, Robyn Dunlap all of Sterling, NE; Bill Corning of Dorchester, NE; Michael (Gayle) Corning of Illinois; Kathy (Kyle) Rice of Lincoln, NE; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; twin sister, Donna Fibelstad of North Dakota; sisters, Connie (John) Doll of North Dakota, Jane Wright of Virginia and Ranetta and Shelly See Walker both of North Dakota; brother Melvin (Beverly) Vietz of Iowa; sister-in-law, Esther Vietz of North Dakota; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Shirley Vietz; son, Terry Vietz; second wife, Betty Vietz; daughters, Jennifer Wright and Pam Houser; grandsons, Steven Corning and Marshall Young; and brother, Alvin Vietz. Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Monday, April 16, 2018, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street. Burial will take place at a later date in Denhoff, ND. Memorials may be directed to his family for a later designation.