Donald Francis Haller

Donald F. Haller, 85, of Wood River, NE passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his farm in Shelton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wood River, NE with Rev. Stanley Ejike Madubuike celebrating. Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-7PM at the church with rosary service to follow. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River Legion #314 or the Wood River Fire & Rescue. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald was born on September 13, 1940, in Bladen, Nebraska, to Karl and Viola (Heinrich) Haller. He was raised in the Bladen and Minden areas and graduated from Minden High School in 1958. He then completed two years of community college.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn Moseley on November 23, 1963, and together they lived and farmed in the Wood River area. Inspired by his Uncle Calvin Heinrich, Donald began his lifelong passion for farming by working alongside him for the first year. He devoted his entire career to agriculture and remained active on the farm until his passing.

Donald’s life was marked by a deep love for farming, family, playing cards and games, and spending part of the year in Las Vegas. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion for 57 years.

Donald is survived by his two sons: Daniel Haller of Grand Island and Douglas Haller, along with his significant other Carolyn Gibbs of Shelton; his daughter and son-in-law, Kila and Bryan Strasburger of Orlando, Florida; and his brother Dennis Haller and wife Rita.

He also leaves behind six grandchildren — Jeff, Kristen, Danielle, Daly, Alexis, and Jacob — and great-grandchildren Hallie, Milana, Hannah (Kristen’s children), Samuel and Edmond (Jeff’s children), and Creeden (Daly’s child).

Special extended family include Wayne and Stephanie Martin and their children Dakota, Oliver, Lucas, and Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn; his parents; and siblings Bob, Mary, and Odel.