Donald Gilbert Havekost was born to Edgar and Gwen Havekost at home in Scribner, Nebraska on January 16, 1938. He died on January 31, 2026 after enjoying a long productive life of service to his country, community involvement, travel, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 33 years Julia Marie O’Connor Havekost in 1997; younger brother Dale, in 2013, brother-in-law, Alan Ott, in 2025, son, Joel Marreel in 2025. He is survived by his second wife, Connie J. (Hummel) (Marreel) Havekost; daughters, Kendra Weast and husband Jason of Culpeper, Virginia; Seana Whapham and husband John of Montgomery, Ohio; daughter Jill Woodward and husband Bart of Minden, daughter Tammi Marreel of Hooper, 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister Barb Muller and husband Duane; sister Genell Havekost, many nieces and nephews and many friends and former colleagues.
Don would like to be remembered as a man who lived well, laughed often and loved much; who gained the respect of intelligent men and women and the love of children and grandchildren; who filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation for the earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. Please direct memorial funds to an academic scholarship fund of your choice for deserving seniors in high school to attend college.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
