Mr. Donald L. Polly

Don was born to Eunice and Wendell (Fanning) Polly on November 8, 1946 and grew up on a farm near Wauneta, Nebraska. After graduating from Wauneta High School, he graduated from McCook Community College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Don served in the United States Army and then began his career in home construction.

Don worked for several construction companies in Lincoln before starting his own home building and remodeling company, Don Polly Construction. One of his lasting gifts to his family was building their home in Lincoln in 1983. Before retiring in 2013, Don worked for Hampton Enterprises as an estimator and in accounts payable.

In 2004, Don received a life-saving double-lung transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. During the next 10 years, he enjoyed and appreciated his life to the fullest. Don always was working on a project, whether it be maintaining his lawn, helping his children with home projects, woodworking, or restoring his '54 Ford Crestline. He was great with his hands — a perfectionist with a creative streak and a heart of gold. Don was a loving family man who always made sure the people in his life knew how important they were to him. He had a twinkle in his eye and often piped in with a hilarious or mischievous comment, always delivered with the perfect timing.

Don was married to Pat (Denker) for 41 years and together they built a life and a home, laughing and joking with each other all along the way. Don was extraordinarily proud of his children's accomplishments and integrity, and the love shared between he and his three grandchildren was precious to anyone who had the opportunity to witness it. Don made it a priority to regularly visit his family members in Omaha, Wauneta, and Colorado. He and Pat especially loved exploring together on mountain drives with no particular destination in mind. His love for his family will always be felt and remembered.

Don is survived by his wife Pat Denker Polly; daughter and granddaughters Stephanie Polly Hand, Tayler and Avery (Omaha, NE); son, daughter-in-law and grandson Ben Polly, Tara, and Jude (Littleton, CO); brothers and sisters-in-law Kenneth and Dorinda Polly (McCook, NE), Karl and Judy Polly (Wauneta, NE), and Gary and Diane Polly (Erie, CO); nieces, nephews, as well as many friends, loved ones and extended family. Preceded in death by parents Wendell Polly and Eunice Polly Bodeman, stepfather Virgil Bodeman, and niece Joni Polly.

Celebration of Life Service: 3 pm Thursday, May 15 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home with Reverend Ray Norris officiating. Cremation. No visitation. Inurnment at a later date, Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Remembrance Chapel. Donations in Don's memory are suggested to Donate Life Nebraska, Nebraska Organ Recovery, or the donor's choice