Don worked as an International Harvester dealer then operated Gifford Lumber and finally retired as a building developer. Don served the Fremont Community as the Board Chair of the Fremont Housing Agency and was named Commissioner of the Year of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Don was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Fremont serving in various capacities including the building planning board for the current church. Don was also a member of the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F & A.M., Scottish Rite, Tangier Shrine, Fremont Golf Club and was an avid fan of University of Nebraska Athletics.
Don was married to Fern A. Moss on September 24, 1944.
Survived by:
Wife - Fern of Fremont
Sisters - Marge Andersen of Arlington
Ruby House & Ched of Arlington
Children - Robert Gifford and Maureen of Chicago
Paul Gifford and Melanie of Fremont
DeEtte Anderson and Frosty of Lincoln
Grandchildren - Megan Gifford of Chicago, Marty Gifford and Jenna of Fremont
Mark Gifford and Ginger of Bennington, Giff Anderson and Betsy of Lincoln
Emily Hansen and Chris of Webster City, IA
and 14 special great-grandchildren
Don will always be remembered as loving father, and Big Papa
Memorial Service will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday November 29 at the First Congregational Church, UCC, in Fremont. With Military Honors. Visitation will be 6pm to 8pm with family on Monday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church, UCC and the Fremont Area Community Foundation.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(17)
Kevin Koopman
Anchorage, AK Thursday, December 1, 2011 My condolences to the entire family. My earliest memory of Don was going with him and my dad to a Husker football game. My later memories were while helping build homes for him. It was always adventurous when he showed up on the job site. I have fond memories. He will be missed.Emily DeMars Kranz
Fremont, NE Wednesday, November 30, 2011 My thoughts and prayers to Marty & Jenna and the rest of the Gifford family.Jaime (Martens) Long
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Fern, I am so saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was so full of piss and vinegar! He made my time at the Golf Club so enjoyable. I hold many fond memories of the two of you, and of course, Don and his Thursday night card buddies! I will miss that ornery little smile of his. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you! With sympathy, JaimeJaime Long
, Tuesday, November 29, 2011Thad Gossett
Portland, TX Tuesday, November 29, 2011 My deepest respects go out to Don Gifford and the entire Gifford family. Don was someone that I have many great memories with. Being a friend of his grand children Don and Fern took me and his grand children to many Nebraska footlball games when we were kids. They always treated me like family and I will always be greatful for that. Don was a person that showed me values of family, hard work, hobbies and humor and most importanly how to balance all of them. Don you will be greatly missed and my prayers go out to you, your family and friends. You will truely be missed. Sincerely, Thad GossettJerry Donahue
Omaha, NE Tuesday, November 29, 2011 My thoughts and prayers go out to the Don's family. A great guy! Jerry DonahueBorisow Properties/All Stor Self Storage
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 29, 2011 We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.Bart and Lisa Qualsett
Fremont, NE Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Don was a great man. He cared about Fremont and left a great legacy in his community. He served his country. He loved his family. He had convictions and was willing to lead. He had a great sense of humor. He will be missed. God's comfort and blessings to Fern and the entire family.Bev Rosenbaum
fremont, ne Monday, November 28, 2011 Gosh I was so saddened to hear of Don's passing, what a neat man. He had a keen sense of people and a quick humor I enjoyed his observations. I wish that I could be able to see his wonderful family to give my condolences. I think of Don and Fern often they were a part of my everyday life for quite some time.John McQueney
Gretna, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 I had the honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Gifford at a Tales of the 55th Wing event in 2007. Don organized the 55th Fighter Group reunion held in Omaha in 2008 and I worked with him getting the veterans and their relatives on base. He was the consummate professional. I did an oral history interview of him in 2010 and it is a valuable addition to our historic holdings here on base. I enjoyed working and being around this man and he will be missed by us here at the 55th.Marvin & Peg Hansen
ames, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 To one of the most respected businessman in Fremont Nebraska. You left a lot of footprints in this town and they were very good and we ARE very greatful. You will be missed so very much. May God bless you and let Jesus take you home, Don. Maybe while you are up there, you can make a few suggestions for remodeling - we hear the mansion is very large. Show them some of your house designs for your Fremont friends!Fred Newill
Fremont, Ne Monday, November 28, 2011 Marty and Mark I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather. My deepest sympathies go out to both of you and your whole family. Fred NewillDon and Elke Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 Family of Don, We were sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I always enjoyed our visits from time to time when I was your mail carrier. Elke always talks of the time when she baby sat with Bob and Paul. She was always grateful for being around your family. He was a very nice man and will be missed. Don and ElkeKirk, Jim, and Ben Lundstrom
Fremont, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 I remember as a young boy, my 2 brothers and I would walk up Irving Street, to Gifford Lumber, and see what wood "scraps" and loose nails we could get from Paul's dad, in order to build a tree house or race car. What great memories those were. Please accept our sympathy in the loss of Don.Rick and Marsha Myers
Fremont, Ne Saturday, November 26, 2011 Don was one of the grandest of the grand generation. Neighbor, father of classmate, successful businessman.... Fern, Bob, Ruby, Paul and Melanie, our thoughts and prayers are with you..Judy and Kirk Brooks
Fremont, NE Saturday, November 26, 2011 Please accept our sympathy in the loss of Don. I know he and Melvin had some good times together. The family of Melvin Brooks Kirk and Judy Brooks and familyNeil Bailey
Monticello, IN Monday, November 28, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Neil, Tricia, Douglas, and Kara Bailey