Donald D. Pettijohn

Donald D. Pettijohn, 85, of Axtell, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at CHI Health – Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Private family inurnment will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell. At a later date this coming spring, a hotdog roast will be held for family and friends celebrating Don’s life and his love of the outdoors. Memorials in Don’s honor are kindly suggested to the Axtell Volunteer Fire Department. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is assisting the family. Donald (Don) Dean Pettijohn was born on May 15, 1938, in Flora, IL, to Jim and Berle (Misenhimer) Pettijohn. He lived in several locations until the family moved to Ayr, NE, near Hastings, where Jim worked on the construction of the Navy Ammunition Depot during WWII. They eventually made Hastings their home. Don attended Hastings High School and his love of sports grew, becoming active in football and basketball. He also developed a love of the outdoors, becoming an avid hunter and fisherman. From 1955-1959, Don attended Hastings College, obtaining a degree in education, and playing on the men’s basketball team. It was at Hastings College where Don met the love of his life, Vernelle Jacobsen, from St. Paul, NE. The two were united in marriage on August 22, 1959. In 1960, they moved to Axtell where he began his teaching and coaching career, eventually welcoming two children, Tracie and Christine. A few years later, he became the principal of Axtell Community School after obtaining his master’s degree in administration, but remained very active in Axtell sports. While at Axtell, he assisted his good friend, Gene “Bulldog” Turner, in coaching high school football. Don also coached junior high boys’ basketball as well as the high school girls’ volleyball team. He also started the girls’ high school track team in Axtell, helping them win nine Fort Kearny Conference girls’ track championships out of 10 years. Don left his school career in 1974 to begin farming full time in partnership with his good friend, Galyn Lind. He retired from farming after 10+ years. Being a talented woodworker, he refinished and/or rebuilt many antique furniture pieces, and also showed his artistic side by carving and painting decoys of fish and shore birds. Throughout the years, Don loved spending time with his entire family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them on many family camping trips and picnics while they were growing up. He loved to teach them how to fish and to just enjoy the outdoors, resulting in many wonderful memories for his entire family. He was also an avid reader and always had a book in his hand. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 64 years, Vernelle, his daughter, Tracie Pettijohn, his grandchildren, Kelsey (Wells) Sisneros and husband David, Conner Wells, Kit Wells, and great grandson, Kellen Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother (Bobby Gene), and his daughter, Christine Wells. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Donald D. Pettijohn

May 15, 1938 - December 31, 2023