Donlyn “Donny” R. Space, 85, of Minden, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Kearney County Health Services. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Minden United Methodist Church with Rev. Kayla Mangrich and PMA Julie Schmidt officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Private family inurnment with military honors will be held prior to services at the Minden Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Donny’s honor are kindly suggested to the Minden American Legion or Bethany Home in Minden. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Donlyn “Donny” Ray Space was born on May 12, 1941, in rural Franklin County to Leland V. and Ruby A. (Anderson) Space. He grew up in the Upland area, graduating from Upland High School with the class of 1959. Donny entered the United States Army National Guard where he faithfully served for six years as a sharpshooter.

He was united in marriage to Sandra K. Gilgen on February 17, 1974, in Minden and to this union, one son, Dustin, was born. The family made their home in Minden where he worked in the construction business for many years, building and remodeling several homes in the area. He was also a manager for Minden Lumber and Concrete.

Donny was a member of Minden United Methodist Church, the Elks Club and the Minden American Legion where he was a member for almost 60 years. He enjoyed attending dances with Sandy, bowling, completing Sudoku puzzles, and watching Husker sports and golf. Donny liked taking trips to the farm to help Dusty. He was eternally young at heart and enjoyed fixing things, even after moving to Bethany Home.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sandra Space of Minden; son, Dusty Space and wife, Karen, of Minden; granddaughters, Brinn Space and special friend, Blake Reeser, and Halle Space and special friend, Brycen Schwenka; brothers, Gayle Space of Imperial and Royce Space and wife, Carolyn, of Sanger, TX; sister-in-law, Tammy Burke and husband, Tim, of Gretna; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Roma (Leonard) Anderson and Sherryl (Richard) Swartz; and brother, Darrel Space.

Tributes and memories can be made at www.craigfunerals.com.