Donald L. Kudrna, 88, of Marysvillle, Kansas, formerly of Leigh, Nebraska, died Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Leigh with Pastor Eric Gradberg officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, Nebraska, and continue Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Interment with will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Leigh with military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84. After the committal service, the family will gather at Park Place in Leigh for a luncheon/reception. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Cemetery Association or Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Marysville. If you are unable to attend, cards may be sent to Roxanne Bayer at 1505 North Street, Marysville, KS 66508.

Donald Lloyd Kudrna was born on December 7, 1936, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Lloyd and Alvina (Stoltenberg) Kudrna. He attended school in Wisner, Nebraska and Clarkson, Nebraska, graduating from Clarkson High School in 1954. Don served in the United States Navy. On June 17, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Anna Mae Meyer in rural Howells, Nebraska. The couple was married for over 64 years.

Don farmed his whole life. He loved the farm and operated a Grade A dairy for many years in the Leigh area and served in several agricultural related organizations including as president of Maple Valley Co-Op and president of Humphrey Dairy Association. He was also active for the Center for Rural Affairs.

Don was very proud of his community of Leigh and wanted to feel that he helped make it better. He was involved with many organizations, including: chairman for the Leigh Economical Development Committee, member of the board for Park Place, member of the Board of Directors for Leigh Wood Products, coordinator for AAL and Thrivent projects for 30 years, and a member of the Leigh Community Club.

Don and Ann enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage and visited all 50 states together, as well as several Canadian provinces and Latin American countries. Don loved playing pitch with his family, had a great sense of humor, was a great storyteller, and was especially proud of his four granddaughters.

Don is survived by:
Daughter: Roxanne Bayer of Marysville, KS
Granddaughter: Karlie (Bill) Nuss of Norfolk, NE
Granddaughter: Sarah (Jarod) Phillips of Seward, NE
Granddaughter: Meranda Kudrna and Ethan Gaston of Bellwood, NE
Granddaughter: April Bayer of Lincoln, NE
Great grandson: Carter Phillips of Seward, NE
Brother: Dick (Jean) Kudrna of Sioux City, Iowa
Nieces & nephews

Don was preceded in death by:
Parents: Lloyd & Alvina Kudrna
Wife of 64 years: Anna Mae Kudrna
Daughter: Paulette Comer
Son: James Kudrna
Son-in-law: Mike Bayer
Brother: Dennis Kudrna