Donald E. Kirschbaum

Don was born on September 16, 1932 in Defiance, IA to John and Frances (Rosmann) Kirschbaum, the youngest of eight children. In his childhood he loved to trap mink and muskrat on the Nishnabotna River and he loved sports! He especially loved baseball and he excelled as a pitcher, earning the nickname "Fizz." Even with his young family he would be called up to pitch in the farm leagues around Shelby County.



Don married Michaela Brady on May 31, 1954 at St. Anns Church in Omaha. They met at a dance in Portsmouth, IA and continued dancing as long as Don's legs would hold out. He loved big band music and could hardly stay seated when "In the Mood" was playing. He certainly had the right partner with Kay and, many times, couples would pause on the dance floor to watch them. Don was known to say that Kay was the greatest thing to happen in his life. They lived in Rapid City, SD while he served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Upon his discharge they returned to Omaha to raise their already growing family.



Don's love of sports extended to cheering on his sons in little league and, in later years, acting as coach. He also played in the men's over 30 league on the "Monkey Mountaineers" for many years holding records for homeruns and catching fly balls in left field that looked impossible.



When not playing in sports he was an avid and vocal fan. There was never a good referee or umpire when his favorite team was playing. His allegiance in MLB moved from the Cardinals to the Braves to the Cubs and then the Red Sox. But NEVER the Yankees! His love of the Creighton Blue Jays never wavered as he kept up with coaches and players and traveled to many a tournament.



In these later years he loved nothing better than to cheer on his grandchildren as they pursued their passions, traveling to watch basketball, baseball, jazz band and vocal performances. His grandchildren were always the star in his eyes and he made them feel like it too.



Don retired after 25 years as Chief of Aviation Maintenance for the Union Pacific Railroad. Upon retiring he was dedicated to Holy Name and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He and Kay kept the food pantry stocked and were always watching for grocery store sales. He knew who to approach at each HyVee to get a case for the pantry! He was known to make food deliveries, rent and utilities assistance only to return the next day to repair a faucet or a light fixture. He was head fish cutter at the renowned Holy Name fish fries from its beginning in 1982 until he could no longer be on his feet that long.



Don was an avid gardener who was proud of his tomatoes and green beans. He was always asking, "How's the corn out your way?" His love of nature provided him much enjoyment, feeding and watching the birds, enjoying the newly hatched ducklings and gosling on the lake where he lived. Every dog was "Old Shep" and his own Buffy and Daisy were spoken to as beloved children.



Don loved his Catholic faith which carried him through many of life's ups and downs. He was drawn to serve because of his deep sense of gratitude for all the ways God had blessed him. He and Kay prayed the rosary daily and attended mass as often as possible. Don acted as sacristan at the 8am mass for many years also acting as lector and taking communion to both Bergan and UNMC. He served at every funeral mass for many years.



Don is survived by his wife Kay of 67 years and his children Patsy Carlson (Paul), Don, John (Amy), Dave (Angie), and Beth Wilderman (Josh); his grandchildren Allison Kirschbaum, Patrick Kirschbaum, Michaela Crann (Steve), Stephen Carlson, Nicholas (Amanda) Carlson, Emma Kirschbaum, Joseph Kirschbaum, Ella Kirschbaum, Layne Kirschbaum, Jack Wilderman, and Charlie Wilderman; Great grandchildren Joseph, Marie and Elizabeth Crann; and many nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Ione Allen, Leone Gilmore, Jack Kirschbaum, Marjorie Welch, Mary Ann Schwinderman, Robert Kirschbaum and Charles Kirschbaum; and his son, Stephen Kirschbaum.





Visitation

Friday, July 23rd 2021 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Holy Name Catholic Church



Wake Service

Friday, July 23rd 2021 - 7:00 PM - Holy Name Catholic Church



Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, July 24th 2021 - 11:00 AM - Holy Name Catholic Church



















John A. Gentleman Mortuaries and Crematory



1010 North 72 Street



Omaha, Nebraska 68114



402-391-1664



www.Johnagentleman.com