Donald Hiebert, age 88, of Osceola, passed away Friday, January 1, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 5th at the Faith Mennonite Church at Iroquois with Lonnie Penner and Craig Jantz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Public visitation with some family members present will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Monday, January 4 at the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Donald E. Hiebert was born January 6, 1932, to Henry and Margaret (Ensz) Hiebert near Hillsboro, Kansas. He peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family just as the New Year dawned, reaching the age of nearly 89 years.

Dad spent his younger years on the family farm south of Hillsboro, working hard together with his dad and six brothers. He received his formal education in the Hillsboro community.

He was baptized on November 20, 1949, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite and loved and lived his faith until the end.

Dad spent two years in 1-W service in Baltimore, Maryland. This time of service was a highlight in his life, forming lasting friendships.

In 1955, he moved to South Dakota, to a farm north of Yale. On June 22, 1958, he married our mother, Rosalie Koehn at Lone Tree Mennonite Church at Galva, Kansas. They walked life's pathway together for over 62 years, and were blessed with five daughters and one son. Their only son, Howard, was taken from them in 1965, at nearly 3 years of age, due to heart complications.  This was a very difficult time in their lives.

We, as his daughters, fondly recall working together with him on our farm, raising cattle, sheep and grain. Dad was blessed with an optimistic nature and met the challenges of life with courage and grace.

He provided well for us, and was concerned for our spiritual welfare, often mentioning each of his children and grandchildren in his prayers. He supported the church and gave generously of himself.

A memorable time for Dad and Mom was serving as house parents at boys' units at Grand Forks, North Dakota, and at New York City. They loved to travel, making many good memories, while visiting their family and friends.

Dad and mom built a retirement home in Osceola, South Dakota, and moved there from the farm in the fall of 2011. During the last few years of declining health, dad still very much enjoyed life and deepened his relationships with his children, grandchildren and friends.

As he became weaker, he was lovingly and unselfishly cared for by our mother. We daughters and mom treasure the time spent caring for him, and he often spoke of his longing for Heaven.

Those left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Rose of Osceola; his five daughters, Starla and Max Smith of Yale, Debbie and David Schmidt of Horton, Alabama, Susan and Larry Nightingale of Pulaski, Iowa, Donella and Lyle Penner of Swan River, Manitoba, and Becky and Eugene Nightingale of Mt. Grove, Missouri; eighteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Van of Louisville, Georgia; and two sisters-in-law, Lorrene Hiebert of Osceola and Bonnie Hiebert of Louisville, Georgia.

Those preceding him in death are his parents; one son; and five brothers, Paul, Lloyd, Norman, James and Dale.

We, as a family, wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the loving care given by neighbors, Hospice, and all others who have shown their love and compassion.

View Donald's Floral Arrangements