Dr. Don E. Koeber, 77, of Wayne died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Papillion.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at First United Methodist Church in Wayne. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 at First United Methodist Church in Wayne.
Memorials may be directed to the Koeber family for later designation.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Dr. Donald Erwin Koeber passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife of 55 years, Claudia by his side.
Dr. Donald Erwin Koeber was born Jan.28, 1948 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Dr. William A. Sr. and Frances Norma Wilhelmina (Goranson) Koeber. His family moved to Wayne in 1950, when his father opened his first optometric practice. Don was baptized in Fond du Lac and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayne. After Don graduated from Wayne High School in 1966, he went on to study at Wayne State College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970. Don married Claudia Niemann, his high School sweetheart and love of his life at the First United Methodist Church in Wayne on Aug. 17, 1969.
From 1974 to 1978, he attended the Chicago Illinois College of Optometry where he received his doctorate degree. Upon graduation, he joined his father at Wayne Vision Center for one year before his father passed away of cancer. Don continued practicing Optometry for 40 years at Wayne Vision Center, before retiring in 2018.
Don was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Wayne. He enjoyed singing in the choir and also served on several boards. His faith and relationship with God were very important to him.
Don was active in many Wayne Community organizations: Kiwanis, Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Wayne State College Foundation, and Corinthian Lodge. Dr. Koeber was also a member of the Nebraska Optometric Association. He was honored in the fall of 2022 with the Wayne State College Alumni Service award after serving his community and the Wayne State College Foundation for over 30 years. Don was an avid golfer at the Wayne Country Club and even achieved a hole in one on hole #8. He especially enjoyed golfing with his son, Todd and his grandchildren.
After retirement, he loved spending time with Claudia traveling, golfing, watching the Huskers, the Packers and all other sports. Don was a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was his beloved family, especially his four precious grandchildren. He poured his heart into every moment spent with them, filling their lives with laughter, wisdom and love.
Survivors include his loving wife, Claudia; children and their families, Todd (Andrea) Koeber of Lincoln (Miles and Madelyn); Kayla (Daniel) Dunlap of Bellevue (Alayna and Jonathan); brothers, Rev. William A. (Valerie) Koeber Jr. of Wayne and Phillip (Rob) Koeber of New York, New Yor; brothers-in-law, Monte (Katie) Niemann, Scott (Marilyn) Niemann, Shaun (Earla) Niemann; sister-in-law, Cinda Koeber; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Dr. William A. (Norma) Koeber, Sr.; Parents-in-law, Herb and Joyce (Stanley) Niemann; and one brother, Charles Koeber.
