Donald Hergott

Donald M. Hergott, age 88 years and 362 days, of Columbus, died Friday, July 11, 2014 at Mory's Haven.

Donald was born on a farm home near Gilead, NE, on July 14, 1925, to Michael and Mary (Daringer) Hergott. Donald received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gilead, NE. Donald received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, NE. Don attended a one-room school house in Gilead, NE, and then School District 25 in Alexandria, NE. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army, Company H, 34th Infantry for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

He married Geraldine Ann Wiedel January 24, 1949, at Sacred Heart Parish in Hebron and they farmed and raised their nine children near Alexandria, NE. After retiring, he and Geraldine moved to Mission, TX, in 1985. Don's Catholic faith was always very important to him. He was the sacristan at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mission, TX, for 25 years, preparing the altar for Mass and funerals and serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Altar Server, among other ministries.

They returned to Nebraska in August, 2010, settling in Columbus where they joined St. Isidore Catholic Church and Donald joined St. Isidore Knights of Columbus Council 12086. Don was a 39 year member of the American Legion. Don's greatest loves were his family, faith, and friends.

Left to cherish Donald's memory are his wife of 65 years, Geraldine Ann, of Columbus; 9 children and their spouses. His children Lawrence (Bernice) Hergott of Columbus, Donna (Stanley) Osterhoudt of Tecumseh, NE, Patricia Payvandi of Beatrice, NE, Allen (Minh) Hergott of San Antonio, TX, William (Susan) Hergott of Lincoln, Gary (Kayla) Hergott of Las Vegas, NV, Betty Hergott of Beatrice, NE, Anthony (Laurie) Hergott of Columbus, NE, and Wayne (Dianne) Hergott of Lincoln, NE.

Donald is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Donna Hergott of Hebron, NE, sister Rose Rauner of Hebron. 23 Grandchildren David (Beth) Hergott, Lincoln of NE, Steven (Laurie) Hergott of Columbus, NE, Keith Osterhoudt of New Brockton, AL, Denise (Jim) Larimore of Medina, TN, Michael (Amy) Osterhoudt of Lincoln, NE, Paul Osterhoudt of Central City, NE, Julie (Doug) Kuhl of Tecumseh, NE, Abraham Payvandi of Roselle Park, NJ, Alicia (Casey) Moyer of Auburn, NE, Scott Hergott of Dallas, TX, Mark Hergott of Dallas, TX, Hung Le of Imperial, CA, Nhung Le of San Antonio, TX, Brandon (Erin) Hergott of Lincoln, NE, Brittany Hergott of Lincoln, NE, Robert Hergott of Texas, Jenna Hergott of Las Vegas, NV, Kristina Hergott of Las Vegas, NV, Chad (Shelby) Erickson of Ft Sill, OK, Greg Hergott of Osceola, NE, Joshua Hergott of Columbus, NE, Rebekah Hergott of Columbus, NE, and Melissa (Joshua) Cowan of Lincoln, NE. 26 Great-grandchildren and one Great-great grandchild.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary (Daringer) Hergott and, father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Gertrude (Schmit) Wiedel, sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and Herman Wiedel, Burnece & Benjamin Wiedel, Marie and Gerald Helget, Kathy and Michael Landkamer.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family for future charitable designations.