DONALD VANASPEREN

Donald D. VanAsperen, age 80, of Beatrice, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the Beatrice Community Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born in Avon to Samuel and Virginia VanAsperen of Wagner on April 27th, 1945.

Don attended school in Wagner, after which he worked in the gold mine at Deadwood. He then went on to study auto mechanics at the trade school of Omaha in 1963, where he received his diploma in Auto mechanics. Upon receiving his diploma, he returned to Norfolk, Nebraska, where he worked as a mechanic for many years. Don then began trucking for Clark Brothers Transfer/ Siai, until his retirement. Upon retiring, he purchased his own semi-truck and hauled grain during harvest and worked for Irish Tiger of Omaha, hauling rail cars until the age of 73. He then moved to Beatrice to be closer to family. In his free time, Don enjoyed watching John Wayne movies, hunting and fishing with his sons and daughter, attending car shows, playing card games with friends and family, playing billiards, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Don was very active in his church, always willing to lend a hand and working with Awana children to learn Bible verses and complete projects for badges.

Don is survived by his wife Janet VanAsperen of Beatrice, daughter-in-lawAmandaVanAsperen of Crete, son and daughter in law Steve and Jane VanAsperen of Crete, son Samuel VanAsperen of Kramer, Autumn VanAsperen of Kramer, DJ VanAsperen of Kramer, daughter and son in law Dorinda and Marty Trauernicht of Beatrice, step daughters and spouses: Kelli and Steven Holten of Norfolk, Robin and Brent Krohn of Blair, Kendra and Brian Suhel of Pilger, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Sharon Haar of Wagner, sister and brother in law Barbara and Warren Walters of Tyndall.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Virginia VanAsperen and stepfather Joe Kodas, sister Sandra Gross, son Dave VanAsperen, brother in laws Harris Haar and John Gross.

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.