Donald J Roche

Donald J. "Don" Roche, age 86 passed away on May 11, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice. Born November 7, 1939, in Omaha, NE, Donald was a talented and dedicated individual who poured his heart into his work, hobbies, and his beloved family. A proud graduate of Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska, he was a decorated high school gymnast. Donald found great joy in employing his hands, whether it was running his hardware store, Our Own Hardware, in Wymore from 1978 until his retirement in 2006, or crafting stunning pieces of woodworking, including cedar jewelry boxes, canoes, cutting boards, chests, and hutches. His love for puzzles and dancing painted a picture of a man who enjoyed challenges and the rhythm of life.

Donald was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus, and Anderson Post #25 American Legion of Wymore, showcasing his commitment to service and community. He served in the United States Navy for 6 years working as a supplier.

Donald leaves behind his loving children, Julie Lienemann and husband, Fred of R. Marysville, Donald D. Roche and wife, Marjorie of Weeping Water, Susan Hester and husband, Ron of Cairo, NE, and Mary Ellen Klein and husband, Dale of Highland Ranch, CO; grandchildren, Jamie (Josh) Stockman, Matthew (Kassidi) Lienemann, Tyler (Tish) Lienemann, John (Alaina) Roche, Stacy (Marcus) Silveira, Daniel (Shannon) Hester, Whitney (Bryan) Hake, Patrick Hester, Michael Klein, Kylie Klein, and Zach Klein; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann (Rick) Huey; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Marion Roche; wife, Marilyn (Crago) Roche; brothers, Eugene and Ronald Roche; and best friend, Marcia Hayes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wymore with Father Loras Grell officiating. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Wymore. The body will lie in state on Friday at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The family will greet relatives and friends from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 PM. Viewing will also be held at the church one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family's choice for future designation with the funeral home in charge.

We encourage those who knew and loved Don to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com, as well as view a recording of his service, celebrating a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.

These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.