This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: LEUSCHEN; THIELEN; BLUM Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/zk.2ADI/792 Message Board Post: Donald L. Leuschen, 78 Feb. 6, 1924 - Oct. 5, 2002 PANAMA - Donald L. Leuschen was born to Elizabeth (Thielen) and Nicholas C. Leuschen Feb. 6, 1924, on a farm east of Panama. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church and attended St. mary's Catholic School in Panama. He was a member of the St. Mary's High Schol Graduating Class of 1941. Jan. 9. 1945, he married Bernadine Blum at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. To this union seven children were born. He farmed the family farm until his retirement. A lifetime memder of St. Mary's, he served as a member of the Parish Council and also the St. Mary's School Board. Donald died Oct. 5, 2002, at the Life Care Center of Omaha in Omaha, NE, at age 78 years, seven months and 29 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine, Sept. 5, 2002; son, Robert Leuschen, Dec. 2, 1947; sisters, Rita Leuschen, Hilda Fahn and Henrietta Schilz; and brothers, Urban and Nicholas Leuschen. He is survived by his children, Shirley (Ed) Arkfeld of Omaha, NE; Kate (Jim) Musich of Bedford; Jan (Bob) Wilson of Omaha, NE; Jean (Wayne) Hodapp of Denver, CO; Doug Leuschen of Omaha, NE; and Beth (Hank) Stueve of Phoenix, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sisters and brother, Marie Coenen of Harlan; Helen Bieker of Harlan and John Leuschen of Panama; nieces and nephews and other relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 8, 2002, at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, with the Rev. Michael G. Peters celebrating. Burial was in the St. Mary's cemetery, Panama, with Jon Abbott, Eric Heimendinger, Jason King, Phil Gubbels, Dean Gubbels, Paul Hodapp, Scott McMillin, Dan Musich and Dave Arkfeld casket vearers. Payley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.