Donnell Lee Aude

Donnell Lee Aude obituary

Donnell Lee Aude

Donnell Aude Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home - Fairbury on Jul. 30, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Donnell L. Aude was born Dec 18, 1936 in Gladstone NE to Ruth Aude.
Don, living with his grandparents only spoke German until starting school at District 50. Don attended and graduated from Fairbury High School in 1955. While in school he was active in FFA. He also had a great love of cars. Loved all the classics and enjoyed working on them as well as a love for genealogy.
On Dec of 1955, Don was married to Carol Culp. To this union there were 7 children. Don had moved his family to Wichita and worked for Boeing till 1965. He then moved the family back to Nebraska and started working for Kassebaum Feeds and Sinclair gas station till he started his own construction business.
In 1980, Boeing had searched for him and requested him to come back to work for the company. After 5 years he made 1st level supervisor. He also served as a manager working on Air Force One and had the opportunity to work on 2 of the shuttles.
On Nov. 1984, Don met and married Beverly Feess. Don and Beverly made their home in Wichita. They were active in the church, planning and participating in events, shopping for antiques, spending time with their friends, playing cards and luncheons. Don and Beverly resided there until Don's retirement. They returned to Nebraska to Omaha and Tobias to be closer to family. Family was his life. Even though he didn't see them often, he talked about them lovingly and reminisced about them often.
Upon Beverly passing, Don moved with his precious little dog Tzu-Tzu to live with a daughter for the last 4 years until his recent passing.
Donnell is preceded in death by his wife Beverly of 37 years. His little dog Tzu-Tzu. His Son-in-Law Rick Widler, 2 Sister-in-Laws, and 2 Brother-in-Laws.
Donnell is survived by his children William (Donna) Aude, Wayne (Barbara) Aude, Donna Widler, Diana (Doug) Smith, Daniel (Elena) Aude, Karen (John) Clark, Curtis (Chris) Aude, Brothers Jerry, Larry (Lynette), Bob (Deb), Jim Gillespie, Sister-in-Law Donna Gruwell, niece Lauri (Ken) Fink. 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren and Lynne Pavelka that became an adopted daughter assisting with Donnell's care in the last 2 years. We cannot thank her enough.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donnell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donnell Aude's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donnell Aude's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?