Donald J. Vraspir

Donald J. Vraspir, 87, of Thurston, NE, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE. The funeral service for Donnie will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at John Huss Presbyterian Church in Thurston. The visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Burial with military honors will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Donnie was born on October 3, 1938, in Thurston, NE, the son of Joseph and Marie (Jasa) Vraspir. He graduated from Thurston High School in 1956. In 1961, Donnie entered the United States Army, serving in the 1st Armored Division. During his time in the army, he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, where he was assigned to truck driving duty. After serving in the Army, he returned home. He worked for his brother, Rich, at the Corner Bar in Emerson, managed the meat counter for his brother Ed at the grocery store in Emerson, and worked for Mike’s Electric. He later owned and operated the Thurston Bar for 15 years. After selling the bar, he worked at the Thurston Locker until retiring in 2012. Donnie enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and visiting with his friends and family.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews and their families.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mary; brothers, Lumir Vraspir, Edwin “Ed” (Leona) Vraspir, Willard “Chink” (Joann) Vraspir, Richard “Rich” (Rose) Vraspir, Robert “Bob” (Georgian) Vraspir, George (Judy) Vraspir, Myron “Mike” (Jeaneane) Vraspir; and a sister, Patty (Floyd) Ostrand.