Donald Walla

Donald Edward Walla, 78, of Brady NE died on April 21, 2008 at his home.

Don was born on December 1, 1929 in Hemingford, NE to John & Margaret (Wilcox) Walla at the home of his grandmother. He grew up in Hemingford and graduated from Hemingford high school in 1947. Don married Mary Ruth Shadle on November 25, 1949 in Hemingford. To complete their family, they were joined by a daughter in 1958 and a son in 1962.

He entered the Air Force in 1951 and served as a Staff Sergeant for four years. Don was very proud to have been a gunner in a B29 during the Korean War, and had many stories to share. After serving his country, Don moved back to Hemingford where, he and his father were wheat farmers on the family farm. Don and Ruth later moved to Gothenburg where Don was shop foreman for Boice Crane Industries for 20 years. Finally, Don and his family moved to Brady where he spent the rest of his life.

Don enjoyed his family, they were his whole world. He was a hero not only to his family, but also to the many kids that Don and Ruth have babysat throughout the years. They all called him "Grandpa". He enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He enjoyed laughing and making others laugh. He always had a new joke, and if he didn't, his brother-in-law did, they were quite a pair. He never missed going to coffee with the coffee group and was the jokester of the bunch. Don was loved by everyone that knew him. He was a member of the American Legion, and past member of the Shriners and Masons.

Don is survived by his loving wife Ruth; a son Jon Todd (fiance Isabel Bonney and her children Stephen & Matthew Encinias) of Clovis, NM; a daughter Pam (J) Buddenberg of Gothenburg; grandchildren: Jenni Trickler (Pat Hales); Jason (Emily) Buddenberg; Bridget Buddenberg (Tom Thornton); Zachary Walla; and Kari Walla. Bruce and Barb (Shadle) Beitler, several nieces and nephews, and his many great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Dallas. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, April 25, 2008 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska, with Pastor Janie Freeman officiating.

Inurnment will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Register Book Signing will be 9:00 am - 9:00 pm with the family present from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Thursday, April 24, 2008 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Brady Volunteer Fire Department or the Nebraska Children's Home Society.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.blasestrauser.com