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BORN
1924
DIED
2024
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Donald Ewoldt Obituary
Donald Ewoldt
June 26, 1924 – September 12, 2024
GRAND ISLAND - He lived a charmed life for 100 years. He knew it and was grateful for it. Until he fell at home two weeks ago, the centenarian lived in the same house since 1959. He drove his car daily and played sheepshead and pitch card games at the American Legion and Platt Deutsche four days a week. He passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Tiffany Square.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Grand Island followed by interment and lunch. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island.
He served in the U. S. Navy as a submariner from 1943-1946 because "I didn't want to jump out of an airplane or sleep in a mud hole," he told his family. When the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, he was in a sub off the coast of Kyushu.
He joined Kernan's Shoe Co. in downtown Grand Island after the Navy. Customers came to depend on him for memorizing their shoe size and pre-selecting styles they might like. In 1992, he told his longtime colleague Bob Dryer that he was retiring. Dryer decided to join him. When the owners heard, they decided to close the store rather than continue without their star salesmen.
As a young businessman, he participated in the Jaycees, Hall Country Red Cross, Community Chest United Way, the Downtown Retail Community Council and the Chamber of Commerce Presidents Club.
Gifted as a storyteller with razor-sharp wit, he told his family he would like to be remembered "as a guy who stayed out of jail."
How lucky we were to know someone who makes goodbyes so hard, to paraphrase author A.A. Milne.
He is survived by his four children; Michael (Janet) and Thomas in Grand Island, Linda Stull of Lincoln and John in Minneapolis; six grandchildren; Bryan, Julie Heimes (Steve), Tanya, Stephanie Sand (Andy), Spencer Stull (Maddie), and John Stull; nine great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hulda (Wrage), brothers, Virgil and Gerald; and his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia (Engel).
Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ewoldt
Sponsored by All Faiths Funeral Home - Grand Island.
Robert Herman
September 24, 2024
I just happened across Mr. Ewoldt obituary. I wanted to extend our condolences to the Ewoldt families for their loss. Our families had Mr. Ewoldt help us with shoe purchases even back when my brother were growing up.
I have memories of when our mother used to take my brother and I to Kernan's back when I was very young. All the way through our childhood and even after I was married Mr. Ewoldt waited on my family right up to when he retired.
Again our condolences.
Vickie Barton
September 22, 2024
So sorry to read about Gunner's passing.
We really thought he would live longer than us.
We enjoyed listening to and sharing stories with you Gunner!
As you would say to us all, so be.
Rest in peace our friend!
Sympathy to all your loved ones.
Ross & Vickie Barton
Willard Roseberry
September 22, 2024
my condolences to the family of Donald " Gunner " Ewoldt. he was a friend and i liked him alot, i also knew Virgil and Babe. The last time i saw Gunner was in 2012 when back from Texas for a class reunion. i am now a resident of the Central Nebraska Veterans home in Kearney since Jan, 2023
Monica Ayoub McClure
September 20, 2024
Mike, Tom, Linda, John and family you are in my thoughts. Your Dad had such a long great life. One of the last of his friends to leave us. I´m guessing there is a lot of stories being told as he has joined his old friends. Your Dad really never knew a stranger. I hope the memories you have will bring smiles to your faces when you think of days gone by.
Leslie Collins
September 19, 2024
Many condolences to the Ewoldt family. I didn't know Don personally but I know Tanya and some of her children, may you all find strength in your hardest moments of grief.
September 19, 2024
he was a friend of my folks Bob and Helen Grennan and grew up with my mother Helen Alexander. I remember from Kernans---sorry for your loss-Terry Grennan
Susie Frei Roe
September 18, 2024
Sorry for your loss Ewoldt family. Mr Ewoldt always had a smile for us walking by to & from school! I have fond memories of his Kernan shoe days also. Bet he hid when the Frei kids came in!!!
Craig Hellwege
September 18, 2024
I only knew Don from playing Sheephead with him. I always tried to join a table where he was playing. He was always fun to be around and was also an excellent player.
Clifford Jewell
September 17, 2024
My Dad Al Jewell and I have Great memories of Donald!
Judi Buhrman
September 17, 2024
I didn´t know him but really enjoyed reading his obituary. Sounds like quite the character. RIP.
ROBERT PAULSEN
September 17, 2024
Sailor rest your oars,
Keith Post
September 17, 2024
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff and Membership, I offer our condolences to the family of shipmate and WWII Submarine Veteran Donald Ewoldt. We salute and thank Don for his years of service to his country during WWII in our nation´s submarine force. A copy of his obituary will be placed in the file of deceased submariners at our museum. Rest your oars good and faithful servant, we have the watch. You now have the eternal fair winds and following seas you so rightly earned during your time here on earth. God Bless you for your service and may his love and grace comfort all of your family and friends left behind.
STSCS(SS) Keith F. Post (USN-Ret.), Executive Director
St. Marys Submarine Museum
102 St. Marys Street West
St. Marys Georgia 31558
Norman Bahr
September 17, 2024
I´ve often wondered about Don, my shoe salesman of my youth. He was always wonderful to some insignificant little kid who was just learning about adults. I was always mesmerized by the way he would install wrapping paper to a box of shoes, almost like a theater production, I´ve never seen anything like it. Strange how now over 60 years later I still have such memories of his excellence in dealing with his customers. He will be remembered with fond memories. Norm Bahr
Becky Bass
September 14, 2024
Oh my Donald, have a glorious venture home. You were always a kind and friendly face at Kernan´s and when I would see you around town. Bless You!
Bill Stull
September 14, 2024
Linda, Mike, Tom, and John. Please accept our sincerest condolences. I have always had the highest regard and respect for Don. May the angels carry him into paradise.
Bill and Mary Stull
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