Donald G. Pond

Donald G. 'Tuffy' Pond

May 16, 1933 - July 11, 2016

HOLBROOK, Neb. -- Donald G. "Tuffy" Pond, age 83, of Holbrook, passed away at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge, Neb., on July 11, 2016.

He was born May 16, 1933, south of Alma in Harlan County, Neb., to Floyd J. and Mary E. (Lochert) Pond. Don was the fourth of six children born to the family. Don received his education in Alma, graduating from Alma High School in 1951.

On Jan. 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirley Stout at Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans, Neb. Don and Shirley made their home in various places in the Midwest, settling down in Holbrook. Don worked construction as a general contractor.

Growing up in rural Nebraska, Don and his brothers learned to hunt and trap at an early age. Don became a good steward of the land and game. He hunted pheasants, duck, and bear and trapped many different fur-bearing animals. He also was an avid fisherman. Don enjoyed hosting the Annual Holbrook Carp Shoot every spring.

Don loved to play cards with his friends. He was an accomplished guitar player. He played with local groups and with the Saggy Bottom Boys at different events. He enjoyed telling stories and tall tales, along with a joking side of his nature.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley on June 15, 2013; brothers, Lyle and Keith and his wife, Kathy; brother-in-law, Bernard Hodge; and a niece, Kathy Neville.

Don leaves his sisters, Marilyn Hodge of Holdrege and Sharon Snyder of Georgetown, Texas; brother, Dale Pond of Kearney; nephews, Jeff and wife, Jennifer Hodge and Kevin and wife, Dianne Hodge, all of Orleans, Neb.; nieces, Janell and husband, John Petersen of Sioux City, Iowa, and Anjie and husband, Jay Houkomp of Treynor, Iowa; and special care giver, Matt Schulz of Holbrook.

Visitation is today, Thursday, July 14, 2016, until after Rosary. Rosary will be recited today at 7 p.m. at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge with Father Ken Wehrs and Deacon Tim Danek officiating.

A graveside service will be Friday, July 15, 2016, at 10:30 at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford, Neb.

Memorials may be left in Don's name to St. Jude's Hospital. Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenour.com.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.