Donald Derra

Donald Derra, 98, of Gothenburg, NE, died January 23, 2020 at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg, NE.

Don was born in Campbell, NE on September 15, 1921.  When he was nine, the family moved to Farnam, NE where they farmed south of town.  He lived with his sister Belle and Earl Thomalla and rode a horse to school.  He graduated from Farnam High in 1939.  Don was united in marriage to Yvonne Wiggers on June 13, 1946; to this union they were blessed with two children, Larry Douglas and Kathleen Rae. The family lived in Farnam where he farmed and ranched.  The family also farmed south of Brady for 11 years.  They then moved to Jeffery Lake where he worked for Central Public Power.  In 1969,  he and Yvonne moved to Gothenburg where he worked for Gothenburg Hospital as the head maintenance man and later for the Gothenburg School District.  He retired in 1988.  Don was active in the Brady Lions Club, Odd Fellows at Farnam, as well as the Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.  He loved wood working and all of his family was blessed with his work. He enjoyed camping, playing bridge, puzzles, and games with all of his family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents George and Rosa Derra, his wife Yvonne, his siblings Virgil Derra, Bernard Derra, Viola Hamson, Richard Derra, Belle Thomalla, Thersa Lydic and his grandson Troy Allen Derra.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Larry (Diane) Derra and Kathy (Dennis) Conley; grandchildren Annette (Mike) Fletcher, Missy (Wade) Koenen, Aaron (Kami) Conley, Lacie (Mike) Broome; great grandchildren Cody (Marci), Austin, Brandon (Madeline) Fletcher; Gage (Madi) and Catie Koenen; Dawson, Ashton and Kiaya Conley; Amy Conley-Livingston; Cole (Courtney) and Chase Viter; great great grandchildren Camden and Eden Fletcher; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Book Signing and Wake will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm with the family present at Stone Hearth Estates, 110 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

A Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 10:00 am with the Memorial Service held at 11:00 am with Donald O'Brien officiating.

In Lieu of flowers Memorials may be given to the St. Patrick's School Endowment, Pawsitive Partners, and Our Lady of Good Counsel 1915 Ave J Gothenburg, NE 69138.