Ivan L. Donnoe

A celebration of life service for Ivan L. Donnoe will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield, Nebraska with Mr. Joe Wilken officiating. Military Honors will be provided at the church by the Bertrand/Loomis Veteran's Organization in conjunction with the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team. Following his traditional service, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at the Highland Cemetery near Bertrand.

Ivan Lewis Donnoe, 80 years of age, of Bertrand, was ushered into Heaven at his home by his daughters, on October 20, 2023. Ivan was born in Lafayette, Indiana on November 24, 1942, the second of four children, born to Roy and Francis (Bayless) Donnoe. He received his education from Battleground Public School in Lafayette and later attended Central Catholic High School in Lafayette.

Following his education, Ivan worked at Rawstone, and in 1963, two days before he turned 21, Ivan enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Lincoln. On November 13, 1965, Ivan was united in marriage to Patricia Rae VonLoh at St. Mary's Church in Lincoln. After a brief honeymoon, Ivan was deployed and worked as an Airplane Mechanic in the Philippines whereupon Ivan returned to the States, the family moved to New Mexico for a short time before returning to Bertrand.

Ivan's passion was farming, including grinding hay and driving semi at harvest for neighbors and putting up hay to sell. Above all else, he enjoyed the company of his family and his wife, Patricia, and we know she was anxiously awaiting his arrival in Heaven. Upon partial retirement, the two set out to build on and renovate their ranch home south of Bertrand, and purchase "his and her" classic cars, a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria and a 1947 Ford Coupe. The two could often be found cruising to a car show in one of their vintage rides or sitting in their driveway just enjoying the life they made together. Following Patricia's passing, Ivan continued living with a purpose, taking great pleasure in the achievements and milestones of his children and grandchildren.

Ivan was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one son, Stacy Donnoe; one brother, Joe Donnoe; and one sister-in-law Sara Donnoe.

He is survived by his three daughters: Deborah Langenberg and her husband, Tim of Bertrand; Diana Erickson and her husband, Shawn of Bertrand; and Denise Kraus and her husband, Shawn of Lincoln; one daughter-in-law, Gina Donnoe of Grand Island, Nebraska; nine grandchildren: Derek Langenberg (Skylar) of Minden; Miranda McQuiston (Andi) of Oxford; Alyssa Nielsen (Tyler) of Oxford; Andrew Kraus (Elizabeth) of Lincoln; Dean Erickson of Brenham, Texas; Dustin Langenberg (Cheyenne) of Wayne, Nebraska; Rachel Erickson (Josh) of Leavenworth, Kansas; Brandon Kraus of Lincoln; Taylor Langenberg of Bertrand; and Dylan Kraus of Lincoln; great-grandchildren: Breelyn Rae and Anslee Langenbeg; Ridge and Aspen McQuiston; Creed and Ashur Langenberg; LeLand Nielsen; Emmitt Kraus; one brother, Roy Eugene "Moose" Donnoe of Lafayette; one sister, Francis Marie "Susie" Donnoe of Winter Haven, Florida; one sister-in-law, Cheri Donnoe; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield.

A memorial has been established in Ivan's honor and will be designated to the Lion's Club in Bertrand, the BerMis FFA Club, and the Young at Heart Senior Center in Bertrand.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.