Donald Glen Lif

Donald Glen Lif, 82, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Kearney Regional Medical Center.

He was born on March 28, 1940, in Bridgeport, Nebraska to C. Albert and Hazel V. (McNeal) Lif. Don’s family relocated to Gothenburg then to Grand Island shortly after. Growing up, Don worked different jobs around town from selling the G.I. Independent papers, working at the Senior High cafeteria, selling concessions at ball games, drag races and wrestling matches as well as working during Harvest of Harmony. He graduated from Grand Island Senior High with the class of 1959. He then went on to further his education at Grand Island School of Business for two years where he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann. 

Don and Ruth Ann were united in marriage on June 3, 1962, in Aurora, Nebraska. Don and his family continued to live in Grand Island where he worked in the office for Preisendorf Plumbing Company before taking a job with Sperry New Holland. They relocated to Lexington in 1974 when Sperry New Holland opened a new plant. While living in Lexington, Don also did office work for the County working in the Treasurer and Assessor’s office, Plum Creek Medical Group, Orthman Manufacturing, DeBruce Grain and Tyson Meat Packing Plant. In their younger years, they kept busy raising their two children, Galen and Lesa. After that, Don and Ruth would go on many bus tours and loved spending time traveling together.

He was a part of various memberships throughout his life. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church in Grand Island and Lexington since 1952, including as a member of the church choir. He was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society since 1985. He was a secretary of the Plum Creek Barbershoppers, where he was honored as Barbershopper of the year in 1992 and a hospitality chairman of the Kearney Area Barbershoppers, where he was honored as Barbershopper of the year in 2013.  He was also a charter member of the Grand Island City Singers. He was a boy scout leader for 15 years and even played the bass horn with numerous polka bands in the Grand Island area.

The three pillars in Don’s life were his faith, family, and music. He loved singing and was so proud to be a part of the Barbershop. Don also enjoyed spending time with his family and playing cribbage and pinochle. In his later years, Don began painting, working on ceramics, and creating detailed colored pencil drawings.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, C. Albert and Hazel; his wife, Ruth Ann; brothers, Harold and Maynard Lif and sister, Alberta Wrage.

He is survived by his two children, Lesa (David) Gates of Parkville, Missouri and Galen (Lisa) Lif of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Austin Gates, Olivia Gates, and Samantha Lif; brother-in-law, Gordon (Sharon) Bigger, Jr. of Grand Island; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Pastor Sarah Neben, officiating. The service will be live streamed on the church website: firstchurchlex.org

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Nebraska Children’s Home Society, Barbershop Foundation, 1733 Kearney Area Chorus or the Dawson County Relay for Life.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com