Donald “Don” E. Reiners

Donald “Don” E. Reiners

April 19, 1941 - April 11, 2024

Indianola, Neb. - Donald “Don” E. Reiners touched the lives of many with his kind heart and unwavering dedication to his family and community. Don’s journey came to a peaceful close on April 11, 2024, at his home on the farm outside of Indianola, Neb. surrounded by his loved ones.

Don was born on April 19, 1941, in McCook, Neb. to parents Franklin and Irene (Cotton) Reiners. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Indianola with his four siblings, which was also the home place he farmed his entire life.

Graduating from Red Willow High School with the Class of 1959, he was a three-sport athlete earning All-State honors in both football and basketball. One of his fondest memories was the success of his Red Willow Zephyrs football, basketball and track & field teams. During his junior and senior seasons, they went on an unprecedented run of five state championships (Football-1957, Track-1958, Football-1958, Basketball-1959, Track & Field-1959) and one state runner-up finish (Basketball-1958). The Nebraska High School Hall of Fame inducted the Zephyrs 1958/59 football, basketball and track & field teams in 2008 for their success under Coach Don McKillip. After high school Don went on to play football and run track while obtaining an associate degree in education at McCook Community College and then attended Kearney State College for two years. After college his sense of duty to his country and community started, evidenced by his service in the United States Army from 1964-1966.

Upon returning home, Don met the love of his life, Lois (Roth). The two were married at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church on April 15, 1968, and the couple made their home southwest of Indianola with their four children: Angela, John, Joe and Michelle to become the third generation to farm the Reiners’ homeplace. He had the belief that hard work solved many problems and carried this into his love of farming and raising cattle on the family farm. Don truly cherished his relationships with all his neighbors and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

A true family man, Don enjoyed coaching his kids in basketball, t-ball, and serving as a 4-H leader. Don and Lois first met at a dance in 1967 and their love for dancing continued through square-dancing, weddings and many other functions. Vacations were a big part of Don’s love of family as he, Lois, and the kids enjoyed many trips to the Rocky Mountains, the Black Hills, Kansas City, and Yellowstone to name a few. One of the highlights on the numerous trips would be finding the local catholic church to attend mass on Sunday, giving the family the opportunity to see so many beautiful churches across the country. He and Lois faithfully attended his children and grandchildren’s many school and sporting events. His children recall one of his more famous quotes being, “Why would you ever come to a track meet without a stopwatch!”

Many of Don’s proudest accomplishments were not only personal, but also community oriented. A man of deep faith, Don was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola where he was a lector and taught CCD classes for many years. Don had an unwavering commitment to the school system, which is evident in his 25+ years of driving the school bus, serving on the Republican Valley School Board, as well as being a mentor for the Good Friends Program at the local elementary school. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the local American Legion Post #344 of Indianola, Tri-State Livestock Commission and McCook Elks, contributing to the betterment of society. Past roles on the Red Willow County 4-H Council, the local Co-op Board and the Nebraska Stockgrowers Association fostered his positive commitment to his community.

In addition to these achievements, Don leaves behind a loving family who meant the world to him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois Reiners of Indianola, Neb.; children, Angela (Bart) Nichols of Gothenburg, Neb., John (Jennifer) Reiners of Spearfish, S.D., Joseph (Heather) Reiners of New Port Richey, Fla., and Michelle (Andrew) Hedke of McCook, Neb. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Lindsey (Josh Jones) Smith, JC (Molly) Smith, Allison Nichols, Vincent Nichols, Preston Nichols, Dylan (Carol) Reiners, Ashtyn Reiners, Addi Reiners, Kali Reiners, Ava Reiners and four great-grandsons, Trindon Jones, Charles Reiners, Madden Smith and Koen Smith. Don is also survived by two sisters Carol VanCleave of Aurora, Colo., and Colette Reiners of Denver, Colo., along with numerous other extended family members and lifelong friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dick and sister Connie Reiners; infant brother, William; and granddaughter, Grace Reiners.

In honor of Don’s life, family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook. Recitation of the Rosary will follow, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Michael Houlihan and Father Dan Rayer officiating.

Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Indianola.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Indianola Fire & Rescue or Community Healthcare & Hospice, and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Reiners Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.