Donald Eugene Jenny, 97, died on December 28, 2024, surrounded by family in Humble, Texas.

Don was born on October 21, 1927, in Leigh Nebraska to Johann Benedict Jenny and Vera (Bushnell) Jenny. He was the third of six children. Don grew up on a farm near Leigh and Clarkson during the depression and graduated from Clarkson High School in 1946. He was hard working and frugal his entire life.

Don proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Army at the age of 22 on October 12, 1950. Don valiantly served with the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbird) of the Oklahoma National Guard. His unit served in Japan and saw combat during the Korean War. Don was honorably discharged on September 9, 1952, with the rank of corporal. He received a Korean Service Medal, a Bronze Service Star, Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal and an Overseas Bar. Don was a lifelong member of the Columbus, Nebraska VFW and American Legion.

After Don's military service, he worked for the Clarkson Post Office and then joined the Carrier Enforcement Division within the Nebraska State Patrol in 1956 with the responsibility "To promote public safety" and "To preserve and protect the state highways and bridges from immoderate and destructive use". Don honorably retired from the State of Nebraska in 1992 with over 35 years of service.

Don met Janel Faye Fiene in Columbus, Nebraska and married on October 15, 1961, in her hometown of Kankakee, Illinois. Don and Janel had three children, Lisa, Heather, and Michael. They raised their family in Columbus, Nebraska.

Don loved hunting elk on horseback with his brother Jack in Wyoming. He also loved pheasant hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, caring for his apple trees, building blue bird boxes and placing them along golf courses throughout Columbus. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends playing cards and drinking a beer or two. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a favorite uncle to many.

Don is survived by his daughters, Lisa Bollig (James) of Huffman, Texas; Heather Jenny (Erik Erickson) of Vancouver, Washington; his grandchildren, Larissa Bollig (Brian) Chen, Shelby Bollig, Benjamin (Kirsten Leas) Hoeft, Chandler Hoeft, and Ayden Erickson; his great grandchildren, Hannah Chen and Harrison Hoeft. He is also survived by four siblings, Phyllis Yates (age 100), Elgin Jenny (age 99), Doris Bahns (age 93), Mary Ann Weigand (age 91).

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janel Faye Jenny (2013), beloved son, Michael John Jenny (1985), and his brother Jack Jenny (2003).

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, in Columbus, Nebraska. Don will be buried alongside his wife Janel in Roselawn Memorial Park (Cemetery) in Columbus, Nebraska. A graveside service will be held in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 17, with Rev. Adam Lassen officiating and military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Immediately following the committal service at the cemetery, there will be a reception at Wunderlich's Catering & Barley Shoppe (304 23rd Street).