Donald "Bear" Lee Kovar

Donald (Bear) Lee Kovar, 94 of Lincoln Nebraska., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026. Donald was born on December 28th, 1931, in David City, Nebraska to Raymond Kovar and Leone (Fleek) Kovar. He married Shirley Jean (Kennett) Kovar on June 27, 1953, at Sacred Heart Catholic church in Crete, Nebraska.

Donald attended school in David City and graduated from Crete high school, class of 1952. Donald served 4 years in the Naval Air Reserves. After graduation, he was employed by the CBQ railroad, later at General Motors in California He then returned to Lincoln, worked a short time for Misle Chevrolet and the CBQ Railroad. He retired from the Burlington Northern with 42 ½ years of service.

Donald loved hunting, fishing, and watching Nebraska Football. He dearly loved his family and was known for his loving pestering of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren . After retirement Don restored furniture and enjoyed traveling and attending auctions with his beloved wife Shirley.

He is survived by his son Michael Kovar, Lincoln and daughter, Debra (Jeff) Gossard, Lincoln. Also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Georgia Beebe, Shawna (Troy) Maybe-Gordon, April Kovar, Sara (Nathaniel) Hayes, Zane (Maxine Turvey) Gossard and Ryan (Katrina) Gossard all of Lincoln.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 South 14th Street followed by a Graveside Service at 11:00 am., with a Navy Honor Guard at Lincoln Memorial Park. A reception will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home following the graveside.

Suggested memorials to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, The Make A Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society.