Donald William Eis, 78, of Humboldt was born on July 25, 1945, in Humboldt, Nebraska to John William and Lucille Leota (Farwell) Eis. He grew up on the family farm near DuBois with siblings Elaine, Janice, John Allen and Ronald Lee. Don was baptized into the Methodist Church in DuBois, Nebraska and graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of1963. Following graduation, he married Jennifer Dunn on September 5, 1964, and to this union four children, Dawn Renee, Daniel Ray, Ronald William, and Steven Wayne were born. They lived in Lincoln and Garland until they returned home to the family farm in 1978. They were later divorced. Don worked for Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph in Lincoln and Auburn for 38 years, until he retired to farm full-time. Don later married Linda McMann, giving him his stepsons, Terry, Eric, and Dustin McMann, who he raised as his own. The couple later divorced.
In his free time, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending and participating in truck and tractor pulls. He was an avid Husker Football fan. While his kids were growing up, he taught them good work ethics and how to have fun. Summers were filled with many camping trips and time spent on his brother’s boat, and the annual family trip to Worlds of Fun. They never knew what species of orphaned wild critter he’d bring home to rehabilitate. In recent years, Don slowed down a bit and his escapades kept him closer to home with his daily visits to the local establishments for coffee, dinner, and keeping abreast of the local current events.
With a recent decline in his health, he entered Colonial Acres Assisted Living, then transferred to Colonial Acres Nursing Home following serious illness and hospitalization. Don entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt having reached the earthly age of seventy-eight years, eight months, and eleven days. He is preceded in death by parents, brother John Eis, stepson Terry McMann, son-in-law Lynn Ronnebaum, brothers-in-law Paul Burgett and Harold Koeneke, niece Heidi Jo Duncan, and nephew Michael Snyder.
Don is survived by his children: Dawn Renee Ronnebaum of Axtell, KS; Daniel Eis of Seward, NE; Ronald Eis of Omaha, NE; Steve Eis of Lincoln, NE; step-sons: Eric (Keirsten) McMann of Bennet, NE; Dustin (Kara) McMann of Firth, NE, daughter-in-law Natalie McMann of Potosi, MO; sisters: Elaine Burgett of Humboldt, NE; Janice Koeneke of York, NE; his brother Ronald (Debra) Eis of Humboldt, NE; 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska with Dorothy Smith officiating. Interment will immediately follow services at the Humboldt Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation. Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.
Service entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha ST-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915.
