Donald L Robertson

Donald Leroy Robertson, 89, of Grand Island, passed away on March 25, 2024, after a brief illness. Don was born on July 27, 1934, to Beatrice (Bee) Breen and Joseph Robertson in Grand Island. At 17, Don joined the Marine Corps and after training in San Diego was shipped to Pusan, South Korea. Don delighted in telling the story of how he was made Staff Sergeant working in his company’s intelligence unit before his 18th birthday. Don’s keen intelligence and disciplined motivation continued to contribute to his success throughout his life. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps at the end of the conflict, Don returned to Grand Island and married Darlene Christensen January 26, 1955. The couple had two daughters, Diana (Kent) Dobkins of Edmond, OK and Debbie (Dennis) Ontjes of Hutchinson, KS. Darlene died on September 21, 1964, after an extended illness. Don married Connie Kirk on July 1, 1966. They had two children, Don Robertson II of Lincoln, and Carla (Shay) Nolan of Grand Island. Don and Connie were nearly inseparable for their 57 years together sharing a love for their family, farming, and animal husbandry. In 1979, after 10 years in Kearney, NE, Don purchased Robertson’s Home Furnishings in Grand Island and spent the next 20 years building one of the most successful retail furniture stores in Nebraska. Don and Connie also raised registered Quarter Horses and black Simmental cattle on their farm east of Grand Island. The couple’s successful breeding program included AQHA world champion horses and annual horse and cattle sales that brought attendees to their Grand Island farm from all over the country. Don was also an active member of the Buffalo and Hall County Sheriff’s Posse’s for many years. Serving as president in Hall County in the mid 80’s. Don enjoyed working on his farm, traveling, and keeping an eye out for another great investment opportunity. Don had several rental properties and during his later years relished in building relationships with and mentoring several of his tenants. Most of all, he enjoyed being the patriarch of his family hosting hundreds of dinners and celebrations over the years. Don loved meeting people and made fast friends of many with his quick wit and extraordinary memory for jokes and anecdotes. He was never happier than when he was entertaining others with a seemingly endless wealth of stories. Don was preceded in death by his mother Beatrice Breen, father, Joseph Robertson, brother Joseph Robertson Jr., brother Robert (RD) Robertson and sister Joanne Baake-McMillan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Connie, four children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one sister Vicki Love of Cookeville, TN. A celebration of life for the family will follow later. Cards may be sent to 4335 Calvin Drive Grand Island, NE, 68801, and memorials are suggested to the Grand Generation Center in Grand Island.

Donald L Robertson

July 27, 1934 - March 25, 2024

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Donald L Robertson

July 27, 1934 - March 25, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support