April 17, 1943 – April 13, 2026
Don was born on April 17, 1943, to Laura and Edward Sullivan. He grew up on a farm near Rokeby, Nebraska, where early mornings, long days, and simple values helped shape the man he would become. He attended Rokeby Grade School and graduated from Sprague-Martell High School. According to him he made the long walk to school each day—uphill both ways, as the story goes—with holes in his shoes and bread wrappers tucked inside to keep out the moisture. Those roots, and the stories that came with them, stayed with him throughout his life.
Don was not only a dedicated farmer, he also held several other roles throughout his life, one of his favorite being transporting preschool children for Crete Public Schools. The role he cherished most was being a dad and grandfather. He showed up—at games, events, and in quiet everyday moments. He loved rocking and reading to his grandchildren, and simply watching them with pride.
He will be remembered as a man of few words, not by grand speeches, but when he spoke, it mattered. He was hardworking, deeply devoted to his family, and carried a stubborn streak matched only by his loyalty. His humor was quick, dry, and perfectly timed, leaving those around him smiling long after.
On July 6,1963, Don married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Edwards. Together, they built a family that became the center of his world. He is survived by his wife Barbara, and children Timothy (Karman) Sullivan, Tina (Mark) Segerstrom, Bradley (Lisa) Sullivan, Alisa (Timothy) Hoffman, Jessica (Joshua) Hillmann, and Shannon (Nathan) Boone.
Don was the proud grandfather to 21 grandchildren: Justin (Whitney) Sullivan, Kelsey, Jamie, and Gage Sullivan; Brooke (Gregory) Beall; Andrew (Shelby) Segerstrom; Sarah (Derek) Gentrup; Zachary (fiancée Alexis) and Daniel Sullivan; Austin (fiancée Lauren), Connor, and Matthew Hoffman; Emma, Claire, Stella, Jack, Josephine, Sadie, and Luke Hillmann; and Kaiser and Finley Boone.
He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Cash and Cora Sullivan; Olivia and Amelia Beall; Charly and Beckham Segerstrom; Nora and Carson Gentrup.
Don is survived by his brother Thomas (Fern) Sullivan, and sister Connie McGhee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Laura (Pillard) Sullivan; his brothers, Leland, Lawrence, Robert, and Joseph, and sisters, Patricia Synovec and Mary Jane Egger.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation for Don will be at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm at the same location. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Peter Catholic Church, 4500 Duxhall Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 17, 2026, at 10:00 am. Don’s final resting place will be Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers the family would accept contributions toward a future legacy project.
