Donald Maurice, 85

Donald Maurice, 85, of Genoa, NE, died Monday, October 3, 2022 at Genoa Community Hospital Long Term Care.

The funeral service was held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Genoa United Methodist Church with Pastor Connie Kramer officiating. Interment followed with military honors in Valley View Cemetery. The funeral service was broadcast live on the Gass Haney Facebook page. Memorials may be directed to the Genoa Indian Industrial School Museum or the Genoa United Methodist Church.

Donald Dean Maurice was born on November 1, 1936, in Ord, NE to Thomas and Lavena (DeBolt) Maurice. He grew up in Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1954. Don entered the United States Navy in 1956 and served until his honorable discharge in 1960. After his military service, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska Lincoln where he earned his bachelor’s degree. On June 11, 1962, Don was united in marriage to Ruth Alice Atkins in Genoa.

Don began his teaching career in Bassett, NE, and later worked in Burwell and Ainsworth. Don not only served as a teacher, but as a head basketball coach and assistant football and track coach. After earning his master’s degree from Chadron State College, he also worked as a school guidance counselor. Don was a very religious person, being very involved in his church in all the places that his family lived and also served as a lay minister. He also helped to start the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter in Burwell. Don and Ruth Alice retired to Genoa in 2001, where they continued to be active in the community, including at the Methodist Church and the Indian School Museum.

Don is survived by his daugthers, Shareen (Darrin) Max of Burwell, NE, Alicia (Frank) Hawk of Omaha, NE and Rachel (Phil) Marice-Zimmerman of Logan, IA; grandchildren, Megan Max, Josh Hawk, Jessica Hawk and Isaac Maurice; brother, Dave (Nancy) Maurice of Murrietta, CA; brother, Jerry Maurice of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lavena Maurice; wife, Ruth Alice Maurice; sister, Eva Mae (Arnold) Mizner; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Mauric.

Condolences may be sent to www.Ramaekersfh.com.