Donald A. Kubik

Donald A. Kubik, 88, of Emerson, NE, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by his family, at his daughter's home in Hubbard, NE. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Donald Alvin Kubik was born August 10, 1937, on the family farm northwest of Thurston, NE. He was the sixth child born to Clarence and Libby (Fillipi) Kubik. His schooling was spent in Valley Country School (first 8 years), He graduated in 1954 from Thurston High School. His early adult years were spent working on several neighbors' farms, and in 1956, he moved to Northern California. During that time, he worked in the sawmills until his return to Nebraska in 1958. He worked for Dorman's Manufacturing in 1959, until he started his own Repair and body shop in 1961.

He was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Ft. Grady, Alaska. He separated in 1963, but remained in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1969. From 1963-64, he drove a truck for Brandt Transfer. He then worked for Emerson Manufacturing. He married Fayne Fahrenholtz from Stanton, NE. They made their home in Emerson, Nebraska. Fayne passed away from cancer. Then he met and married Jeannette (Cooper) Kubik. They were married in 1968 and remained in Emerson. He built the family home on a 3-acre plot of land, completing that in 1974. Well, almost. The garage was completed years later, and the family celebrated. While he built the house, he worked full time. He worked for Moorman Manufacturing and was an animal nutritionist; he sold feed to area livestock farmers and made many friends along the way. He earned lots of awards during his time at Moorman's. He then worked for L. Z. Shepp, who was a close friend, until his passing. He continued to farm and do various repair work for other people while working full time outside the home.

Don was a proud continuous 52-year member of Legion Post 175 in Jackson, NE. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church from his adult confirmation in 1966.

In 1989, he assisted in the founding of the International Cockshutt Club and was the first board member elected. He remained active in the club, attending his final show in July of 2025, which was held in Canada. He made many lifelong friends through the organization and could be on the telephone talking to anyone from around the United States or Canada. In 2023, he won the prestigious Schwaderer Award for his many achievements and contributions to the organization.

Don loved Kruger's Korner on Tuesdays and The Buzz Saw on Wednesdays and Fridays. He met Bill Wilson in 1983, and was true until his death.

He is survived by two children, oldest son, Kirk (Grace) Kubik, of Louisville, NE, and daughter, Kristin (Dale) Gaither, of Hubbard, NE; grandchildren, Eric Kubik, Philip (Krystal) Kubik, Andrew Kubik, Ashley (Kurt) Meiers, Grant (Briana) Gaither, Gabriel Gaither (fiancé, Megan Williams), Destiny Kubik (fiancé, Garrett Teeters), and Kraig Kubik, Jr.; many great-grandchildren; two very special great-great-grandchildren, making five generations! He is also survived by his brother, LaVern Kubik; sisters, Elsie (Eldon) Kieborz, JoAnn (Roger) Paulson, Marilyn (Ron) Paseka; sister-in-law, Bonnie Kubik.

He is preceded in death by his parents, both wives, Fayne Kubik and Jeannette Kubik; infant son, Klark Kubik; another son born too early; and Kraig Kubik. His brothers, Carol Kubik, Melvin Kubik, Loren Kubik;  sisters, Darlene Kubik, Clara (Bronte) Cooper, Arlene (Paul) Henschke, and Evelyn (LeRoy) Hammer; sister-in-law, Viola Kubik.