Don Crecelius

Hastings resident, Donald "Don" Duane Crecelius, 85, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Graveside Services with military rites will be Monday, January 4, 2016; 1:00 P.M. at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Lincoln with Pastor Art Phillips officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Capital Humane Society, Lincoln, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, January 3, 2016; 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. with family present at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Don was born on December 30, 1930 to Earl Lester Crecelius and Lauretta (Davis) Crecelius in Huron, South Dakota. Growing up in the Great Depression, Don worked many jobs. He started at age nine as a newsboy and setting wooden pins at a bowling alley. In 1944, Don worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings, Nebraska. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1948, followed by enlistment in the U.S. Navy from 1948 until 1952. Don served during the Korean War on the USS Curtiss AV-4, and the USS Philippine SEA CW-47. Don was proud of working in the Aviation Ordinance Division, which made up all the bombs, rockets and Napalm bombs. Don served in Japan, Philippines, and Okinawa, and off the coasts of Korea, Russia, China and Vietnam. He also survived five different typhoons in the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan. In 1950, Don married Barbara Baker in California. To this union a daughter was born, Nita. After discharge, Don worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot and at the local roller skating rink as the floor manager in Hastings, Nebraska. On January 2, 1953, Don married Donna Eileen Creason in Lincoln, Nebraska. To this union two children were born, daughter Debbie Jean and son David Duane. In 1955, the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Don worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in the Protective Forces, Firing Technicians, and with the division of making the Atomic Fueled Rocket. In 1959, the family moved back to Nebraska and Don co-owned a Texaco Gas Station with his brother-in-law, Richard. In 1962, Don started working for Consumer Public Power (NPPD). He was a boiler operator, shift supervisor, and a training specialist; retiring on August 27, 1987. Don and Donna retired early and enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona. Don was a proud Veteran, an avid Husker fan, enjoyed golfing, traveling, woodworking, and attending his grandkids activities.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; granddaughter, Barbara; and brother, Robert.

SURVIVORS:
Daughters & Spouses:
Nita & Phil Taylor
Deb & Maynard "Matt" Schnell
Son & Spouse:
David & Carol Crecelius
Grandsons & Spouses:
Kevin & Jennifer Doll
Jeff & Becky Crecelius
Chris Crecelius
Granddaughter:
Amanda Schnell
Great-Grandsons:
Ethan Crecelius
Jonah Crecelius
Zachary Doll
Great-Granddaughters:
Zoe Doll
Quinn Doll
Sister:
Mary Jean Curran
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & many friends