Article Image Alt Text

Donovan L.D. Thorell

OMAHA — Donovan L.D. Thorell, 80, died Oct. 20, 2022.

Memorial Services were Oct. 24 at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, Omaha.

He was born Sept. 5, 1942, in Norfolk, to Floyd Sr. and Emma (Schultz) Thorell. He grew up on a farm near Wausa, with sisters, Arlyce (Bates), Ruth (Banks), and brothers, Erwin, Floyd Jr., Roger and Dennis. During his youth, he attended Thabor Lutheran Church, Wausa, with his family. He was baptized and confirmed at Thabor. Donovan attended country school and graduated from Wausa High School in 1961, moved to Omaha in 1963 and attended Commercial Extension Business School. He was employed by Omaha Stationery for 26 1/2 years, Omaha Public Schools for seven years and retired in 2007.

Donovan married Eilene Kloewer in Defiance, Iowa, June 5, 1976. They lived in Omaha during their 46 years of marriage. After retiring and selling their home, the couple lived at Connect 55 Retirement, then recently moved to Crown Pointe Senior Living.

Donovan was a member of Kountze Memorial Church. He sang in the choir and volunteered at the Kountze Food Pantry. Donovan loved to sing, dance and play cards as well as eat at Summer Kitchen and Village Inn.

Donovan is survived by wife, Eilene; and sisters-in-law, Karen Thorell, Shawnee Mission Kan.; Lois Kloewer, Moville, Iowa; Donna Kloewer, Underwood Iowa; and Mary Kloewer, Harlan, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church.

Donovan Thorell

Northeast Nebraska News Company

102 W. Main
Hartington NE 68739
402-254-3997