On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Donald Wayne Fleecs peacefully passed away at his home in Sutherland. He was 91 years old.
Don, the son of Charles and Alice (Rourke) Fleecs, was born in Sutherland on February 11, 1933. He attended country school then Sutherland High School, graduating in 1950. Don farmed with his father for three years before being inducted into the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge in 1955 Don returned home. He continued farming, earned his private pilot's license, and was owner/operator of Fleecs Brothers Trucking with his brother "PeeWee".
On December 29, 1956, Don married Peggy Ann Priel at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. They were blessed with six children and 62 years of marriage. The family lived south of town until 1965 when they built their forever home just west of the church.
He was active in the Sutherland community and the church. Don served on the school board for 15 years, Twin Valley Co-Op for 25 years, and Sutherland Rodeo Committee for 34 years. He also served on the Sutherland Co-Op, fire district, Chamber of Commerce, 4-H Council, Lincoln County Extension Board, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. More notably, Don was District 3 Lincoln County Commissioner from 1993-2002.
Don was a farmer, loving husband, and a good father and grandfather. He and Peggy enjoyed traveling; their most memorable trip was to Italy where they met Pope Francis. After Peggy passed away in 2019 Don anxiously awaited their reunion but in the mean time, he stuck to his routines, was independent and a bit stubborn.
Don was known to many around town as "Tiger" or "Chief" and could often be seen picking up cans while riding his scooter downtown to mingle with the town folk and tell his stories. Then, as his health declined, he took up residence at The Maples at Centennial in North Platte in 2023 and looked forward to visiting his home on the weekends. Before returning to The Maples, Don would pick flowers from Peggy's garden to give to the girls when he got back. And a passion of Don's was dancing- he was always looking for a dance partner at The Maples.
One of the last pleasures Don had was taking a drive across the new Sutherland bridge the morning of his passing. He was one of a kind and always had a smile!
Along with his beloved Peggy, he was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Alice Fleecs; parents-in-law, P.E. and Isabell Priel; brother, Jerome "PeeWee" (Norma) Fleecs; brothers-in-law, Tom Hoatson and Bud (Betty) Priel; sister-in-law, Mary Bryant; son-in-law, Stewart Williams; and nephews, Robert Hoatson and Jerre Rome Fleecs.
Don is survived by his children, Diane McConnell of North Platte, Jackie Williams of Kansas City, MO, Pat (Ruth) Fleecs and Joe Fleecs of Sutherland, Liz (Chris) Skov of Hershey and Tina Fleecs of Kansas City, MO; his sister, Kathleen Hoatson of North Platte; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and other family.
Services will be on Friday, September 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rosary service begins at 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with celebrant Father Jonathan Sorensen. Burial with military honors will be in Riverview Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Sutherland Public Schools or Sutherland Rodeo Committee. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.