Donald Patrick Elsen
July 28, 1921 - May 3, 2013

Don Elsen, 91, of Lincoln, Nebraska formerly of Fort Dodge, Iowa passed away Friday at his home in Lincoln. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Fort Dodge. Burial will be in the North Lawn Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Unites States Navy Honor Guard and the VFW Post #1856. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel with a rosary held at 6:00 PM at Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1615 North 15th Street in Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Don is survived by sons Charlie Elsen and Frank Blaha, son in law Ed Jondle, daughters Patty Dillingham (Richard), Rhonda Peed (Thomas), Laurie Russell (Mike) all of Lincoln, Nebraska and Pam Lawler of Elk River Minnesota. 21 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and one great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Two sisters Norma Frakes (Florida) and Helen Elsen (Iowa). Don was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Elsen, son Donald Elsen Jr. and daughters Sharon Eldridge and Kathy Jondle.

Donald Patrick Elsen was born in rural Palmer, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy from 1942-1945. Don retired from farming in Iowa in 1985. He then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. He worked for Sandhills Publishing in security from 1985 until recently. Don loved to visit with family and friends. He was a great listener and observer. Adored all of his grand and great grandchildren. He took pride in his yard work; loved his rose and lilac bushes. He loved to fish. Don was in the process of restoring 2 antique family tractors. Don enjoyed watching NFL-NBA-MLB. Don was a friend to everyone and loved his family, especially his grand and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be left to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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