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Donald Fiedler Obituary
Graveside Services Sunday 1pm Beth El Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to National Criminal Defense College, c/o Mercer Law School, Macon, GA, 31207. JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES
72nd STREET CHAPEL
1010 North 72nd St., 391-1664
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Fiedler
Gerald F. Uelmen
September 8, 2024
Don bore a striking resemblance to William Jennings Bryan, a fact we capitalized on by having him portray Bryan in a one actor play that was produced in Chicago, Omaha, Lincoln and Santa Clara, Calif. The Omaha performance was video taped, and you can watch it on You Tube. Just enter "Bryan by Gerald F. Uelmen." He was great as Darrow, but stupendous as Bryan!
anastasios sarikas
May 9, 2021
Thirteen years after his passing, I still miss Don.
I can clearly see him in my mind's eye at the home/office at 1013 & 1/2 Howard Street in Omaha's Old Market. Splash, his English Sheepdog, is running around the office chasing Kleo, my Siberian Husky, as Don and I try to review a draft of a brief. Charlie, the office secretary, is there, and is the calm in the eye of a storm, as four-legged chaos swirls around us. "Oh, let them play", Don says. The work gets done. The dogs are happy. We are all happy.
The phrase "larger than life" was invented to describe Don. But there are times, such as now while remembering Don, when words simply do not suffice. It is better to quietly remember.
David Johnson
June 9, 2008
I am remembering the joy of working with Don a few decades ago. He was newly in love with the theatre, and he paid court through wonderful performances.
He was "Horse" in a production of WHO'S HAPPY NOW that is still one of my fondest memories of my time on the boards. It was a great ensemble, and new as he was, he contributed enormous energy and great comedic skill to the mix.
He took me to my only Nebraska football game, College World Series games - so generous and always such fun.
A pleasure to have known him, indeed. My condolences to the family. My congratulations to the rest of us who were privileged to be his friend.
Larry Drolsum
June 1, 2008
I met Don at NCDC in 1995 when he gave memorable performance as Clarence Darrow. That performance remains with me to this day and made Clarence Darrow come to life.
Melissa
May 23, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Francis
May 22, 2008
Dear David, and Family and those so very close to him
It is with such a heavy heart I write this as Donnie and I were friends since grade school. I played basket ball against him in the 8th grade and then on to Central where we played, and studied, learned, and laughed.
As Donnie said many times...we were at the "RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME" and that is an understatement. We were part of the Greatest class in Central High History, as far as I and many others are concerned...the class of 1961.
We shared a lot of thoughts over the years and with any TRUE FRIENDSHIP Donnie and I will just pick up where we left off when we meet again. Starting with a big HUG.
David, Don was so proud of you and we all can't thank you enough for keeping many of us up to speed with your BLOG postings...a masterful job. Along the way you will learn a lot more about your DAD and you will have so much to pass on to your family.
With great love and respect...John Francis
Terence MacCarthy
May 20, 2008
David,
Sorry for your troubles.
Don Fiedler, aka Clarence Darrow, was a very special person. We treasured him when we had him and we will miss but never forget him now that he has gone.
Over the last many years his dedication, contributions and inspiration in teaching criminal defense lawyers was second to none. Many will remember him, all with admiration, respect and appreciation.
Don loved people and in turn people loved him. Whether he was wearing a bear costume to make us laugh, smoking a cigar while drinking a Tuaca or helping me know something of Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryant, it was a unique pleasure to spend time with him.
Unfortunately, he will not get to do that which he told me he very much wanted to do -- to again play in our office golf tournament. The tournament was made for him. Most of the golfers were terrible players -- as was Don. Most were criminal defense lawyers -- as was Don. Drinking, telling stories and having a good time was the order of the day -- and that was Don. He will be honored in absentia at this year's event.
Terry the older
Madeline Sayers-Shabazz
May 19, 2008
To Donnie's family, fiance, and son David (who, I do remember when you were born), May the Blessings and Peace of God abide with you all! My life was so enhanced by having Don in my life and that of my children. He impressively encouraged my daughter Robinlyn Sayers, MD in her own acting career and I appreciated that. He was as a real brother to me and my former husband (Roger Sayers), he played with us, partyed with us, broke bread with us, and with my mom, He was led always by God, and you should be proud of mostly that! Thank you for sharing your loved Donnie with us.
Bob Fogelnest
May 19, 2008
Donny was, simply stated, one of the good ones. He was humble, wise, talented, dedicated and sensitive. Our worlds are diminished by the loss of him. He will be missed.
Christopher Wellborn
May 19, 2008
Don was an instructor of mine at the National Criminal Defense College in 1997. He was a genuine person who truly cared about all of us. He will really be missed.
Thomas L. Scott
May 19, 2008
I was privileged to have known Don as a fellow member of the Class of '61 and to have been in the Choir with him.
My condolences to the family. He certianly was a presence - and obviously influenced the lives of many.
Bert Nieslanik
May 19, 2008
I would like to thank Don's family for sharing Don with us. All of us know that the time he spent with us may have been time away from you. You gave us a precious gift.
Don was the first lawyer that I ever met who had the courage to harbor no shame about what he did, be it the fire that welled up inside of him from confronting injustice or the sorrow that spilled out from knowing the stuggles of poverty, abuse or desperation. It was just this that made him a master at his work and play. It was never about Don. It was about the client, the production, the witness, the student. Don SAW and HEARD us when we talked to him. He loved us when he didn't even know us. He gave freely without obligation.
Sometimes we were lucky enough to give him our applause as when he played Darrow for us. Sometimes we could give him our help. And all who knew him gave him their friendship because it was right and easy and rewarding.
Don, in those moments when I am the most afraid, I use a technique you taught me a very long time ago, shine the light out, not in, and go for broke. Thanks.
Bill Ward
May 19, 2008
Don’s zest for giving was obvious every time he taught. He never waxed poetic. Instead, he gave from his soul. Don wanted to share his skills and knowledge so all of us could improve and feel more confident in who we are and in what we were doing. Don: sewing the seeds of knowledge, skills and triumph.
Andrea Lyon
May 19, 2008
I am one of the many people priveleged to have known, taught with and learned from Don. We will all miss him.
Tony Natale
May 19, 2008
Don’s course was one of concern and compassion. In a profession which often time attracts the arrogant and the self-engrandizing Don’s strength was obvious and understated. He was committed, concerned and compassionate with his clients, his colleagues and especially to those who had the opportunity to experience his teaching. If you were not at your best but you had a chance to talk with Don you always walked away feeling loved , appreciated and grateful that he was your friend.
richard Tegtmeier
May 18, 2008
To have known Don Fiedler was to have been blessed. I'm sitting in my back yard thinking of the first time I met Don at a Husker reception after a football game in Lincoln. We smoked cigars out back of the hotel and became instant friends. Later we were both surprised that the National Criminal Defense College would think we could contribute something. Did he ever contribute.
Creative, straightforward, willing and loving, Don's life gave us proof that any of us can passionately and successfully defend another human being, live life fully and love abundantly.
I regret not being there with you to honor this man and thank him for being so much for so many of us.
Charlie Daniels
May 18, 2008
Don exemplified that that the measure of a full life life lies more in the breadth of one's existence than just the length of it. Don not only experienced the breadth of his own life, he shared the experience with so many others. In a world of too many takers, he was a giver--he gave so much of his time, his talents and his love. Despite the aching emptiness, we can be grateful for having had the opportunity to share the experience with him.
Bonnie Price
May 18, 2008
For decades Don was one of if not my very favorite attorney. I was his favorite court reporter. Being an animal lover, I never had to worry about the dog hair on my pants when I went to his depositions. He also was so kind as to send brownies for my very ill and suffering cancer-stricken mother. Goodbye, my friend. I will miss you.
Dale Cobb
May 18, 2008
I am sitting here smoking a cigar ,wearing my "red "Chuck Taylor All Stars wondering how the world will survive without my friend, my sounding board, my teaching companion of 34 years.
I gave Don his first national stage to work his magic as "Darrow", and in return he gave me the gift of his friendship and the chance to be "Atticus Finch" at a program he put on in Omaha years ago.
I regret that I am not with you today to say a last goodbye, but you will be in my,and many other,people's hearts for eternity.
I'll see you at the next curtain call.
Dale
Marilyn Bednarski
May 18, 2008
Don gave us laughter with his goofy antics. He reminded us that even as the beleagered defense lawyers we are at times, that we can still have fun. The outpouring of love in response to his death reminds me that our community and friendships, which he exemplified, make us stronger in our common effort to push back against injustice.
Calvin Malone
May 18, 2008
I met Don at the National Criminal Defense College in Macon. To me, Don was more than a talented lawyer. He was a compassionate human being who touched countless lives in a positive and uplifting way. When it is my time to move on, I can only hope to be remembered in this way.
Richard Jasper
May 18, 2008
Don taught me that a defense lawyer could be gentle and compassionate while being a fierce warrior at the same time. He will be missed.
J.B. Katz
May 17, 2008
I was privileged enough to attend NCDC in June 06. Don't performance of Clarence Darrow came when we were all tired and burnt. It inspired me then and continues to do so today. I was just telling a friend about his brilliant channeling of Darrow the other day. I think of him often, even though he didn't teach my section. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will never be forgotten because he touched so many of us. I will never forget him. Thank you Don for allowing me to be inspired by you. Rest in peace --
Tish Walker
May 17, 2008
I worked with Don and he was also a Special Friend. We shared many things together, good and bad. I think I was probably the last person to go and visit Don the night before he died. He shared a lot of his thoughts and past.
Don was a great Lawyer and a wonderful friend. We have lost a great person and one that will not be replaced. The memories of Don will remain for years to come.
I have been contacted by several lawyers out of State who knew Don quite well. It is such a shame to all of us but at least he is not suffering.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, David and all of his friends. He was a great person.
Martin Sabelli
May 17, 2008
I used to call him Zorba. He had a gargantuan appetite for all of life's pleasures from a thick filet mignon topped in bleu cheese to discussing the fine points of a Sam Shephard script. He was playful and childlike -- the side that inspired him to jump into Improv with two feet and pioneer it as a teaching tool. And he was a loyal and true friend who loved deeply and couldn't have hidden his feelings if he tried. I will miss you, Zorba.
Mike Iacopino
May 17, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to Don's family and loved ones.
He was a great man, a great lawyer and a great friend with immeasurable talent both in the courtroom and on stage. But my fondest memory of Don is his amusement in hearing my rendition of the Sponge Bob Squarepants song for his grand-daughter at dinner at a San Francisco (?) NACDL Meeting. When a smile appeared on her face it was instantly transmitted to his. His love for her was plainly transparent. He brought that same transparency to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
I will miss you Don.
Jim Thorn
May 16, 2008
Don and I worked together as actors at the Omaha Magic Theatre, and we also shared friends among the Omaha legal profession. I'll miss Don, as many people will, and I send my sympathy to David.
anastasios sarikas
May 16, 2008
I just learned that my dear old friend, mentor and employer when I was a young law student and lawyer in Omaha, Nebraska, Don Fiedler, has past away. Don is the reason I became a criminal lawyer. Once I saw him do a trial (it was an arson case, which he won) I was hooked. Aside from being a tremendous trial lawyer, Don was a fabulous actor. Besides his superb portrayal of Clarence Darrow, I once saw him play "Lennie" in Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men". Not only was there not a dry eye in the entire theater, but the applause lasted for ten minutes or more.
He was a mountain of a man who played football at Omaha High School and later, in college, opened holes in the opposing line so that Gayle Sayers could run through them.
Don gave me a chance - a Greek immigrant kid from NYC - when the white shoe firms in Omaha only showed me the door. I worked for him and with him for over two years before I came back to NYC. We drank and partied together after our work was done and he treated me with respect and dignity always. He was an absolute joy to work with.
Our profession has lost a bright, shining light.
My deepest condolences to his sister, his son and to those who knew him and loved him. May God rest his soul.
Anastasios ("Tom") Sarikas
Larry Vogelman
May 16, 2008
My thoughts are with all of you. Don was a good friend, a beloved colleague and one of the most skilled teachers of advocacy I have ever met. I have very fond memories of Don. The one that comes to mind is a trip that we took from an NACDL meeting in Santa Monica to San Diego, where we were both teaching at the Criminal Defense Institute. Don had rented a Mustang convertable. The ride was terrific...smoking cigars and stopping at every surf shop looking for Tshirts. Unfortunately we didn't wear hats and we both arrived in San Diego with very bad sunburns on our very bald heads.
Jim and Angela Bell
May 16, 2008
Don was our friend and colleague for many years in NACDL. He had that Academy Award Smile and infectious hearty laugh. Our family is praying for your family for healing and comfort during this difficult time. We felt it is important for the Fielder family to know Don was thought of as a champion, from coast to coast.
Saunders County District Court
May 16, 2008
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Fiedler family.
Mr. Fiedler occasionally came to Wahoo for court hearings-
He was always friendly in our office. Please accept our condolences.
JENELLE JONES
May 16, 2008
I will always remember Donny as one of my favorite, friendly fixtures in the Old Market. He was a very reassuring presence there and definately one of the "originals" . It won't be the same without him.
Dutch Haling
May 16, 2008
Don fought the good fight in everything he did. For 40 years we
laughed and found strength in eachother. Don never stopped giving his all, for friends and family.
I have lost a part of me . David my heart is with you.
Jeff Raben
May 16, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the memories bring comfort.
Rauch Wise
May 16, 2008
Omaha and the legal profession have lost a truly unique and talented man. There are far too few men like Don Fiedler.
Michael Green
May 16, 2008
Donnie was an amazing man, with many talents. I will truly miss his wit and humor.
Patti Jaynes
May 16, 2008
I life lived well, Thank you for being a part of mine! You will be missed Donny.
Linda & Jennifer
May 16, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of mourning. David,you know that he is in a much better place than you and I are . He is at peace now. No more pain and misery. We love you!
Roger Holthaus
May 16, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Colleen Quinn
May 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Don was loved and respected by all.
Michael Reznicek
May 15, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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