September 23, 1938 ~ March 14, 2021
Donald George Bedea (CW4 RET) was born September 23, 1938 to Margaret Theresa (Wissler) Bedea and George Howard Bedea. He grew up on their grandfather’s farm near Table Rock, NE with his older brother, Robert Alan Bedea and younger brother, Gary Howard Bedea. Their father, Howard passed away in 1944 and Don, his brothers, and mother continued living on the family farm with their grandfather. After graduation from Table Rock Highschool in 1956, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and spent his tour in the Pacific.
Upon returning home, Don worked for Binder Bros Lumber for a period of time before attending Peru State College. While there, he met Carolyn K. Armstrong. After the spring of 1960, Don worked construction on missile sites in the area. Later that year he attended Southeast Community College where he graduated with a degree in Electronics. On December 17, 1961 Don married Carolyn K Bedea and later moved to Grandview, MO and later Belton, MO while he worked for Bendix Corp. While working there his son, Steve was born. They then moved to Peru, Nebraska where Don attended Peru State College and graduated with a BA in Industrial Arts.
He then moved his family to Lincoln, NE where he began his teaching career at East High School and soon after his son, Doug was born. In 1975, Don decided to get the family out of the city and back to a farm near DuBois, NE and began farming and became a shop teacher at Humboldt Highschool. While at Humboldt High School, he became the principle for several years before leaving after the 1988 school year. Over the next several years he worked as a vice principle for Beatrice Junior High, then Landol Corp. of Maryville, KS as their warranty manager. While at Landol Corp. Don was activated through his Army Reserve Unit and went to Kuwait during desert storm in 1991 and served as an adviser for the Kuwaiti Army.
When he returned home, he was contacted by a Military contractor working with the U.S. and Kuwait Militaries and offered a position and started his new career. In 2005, Don began seeing Gina Tiempo and on April 24, 2007 they were married in Chateau De Busay, Cebu, Philippines. Gina brought four children into this family: Kathleen, Krizia, Abie, and Carl. Don took these kids into his family, loved and cared for them as his own. He was very proud to serve his country and his time serving in Kuwait.
In 2010, Don moved his wife, Gina and the kids to the Philippines where they were involved in several business ventures during their time there. In 2012 Don moved his family back to Lincoln, NE and bought a home. Don was hired at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School because he didn’t want to retire and wanted to remain busy. He remained employed there until shortly before his death. Don was a good provider for his family and proud of his children’s accomplishments and loved his children and grandchildren very much and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Gina Bedea; children, Steve (Dawn Sherman) Bedea, Kathleen (Jerry Peterson) Bedea, Krizia (Santiago) Bedea Galdamez, Krystel Abbie Sanoy, Karl Andrew Sanoy; brother, Gary (Betty) Bedea; grandchildren, Aaron (Faiymeen “Jen”) Bedea, Justin Bedea, Klarence Gabriel Sanoy, Adam Raphael Sanoy, Donald James Peterson; great-grandchildren, Jayden Bedea, Jasmine Nichols, Amon Bedea, Amar Remmenga, Tyse Garrett.
Don was preceded in death by his grandfather, George Bedea; father, Howard Bedea; brother, Robert Bedea; stepfather, Harold Shuss; mother, Margaret (Bedea) Shuss; son, Doug Bedea; granddaughter, Shelby Bedea.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 AM Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 7900 Trendwood Dr, Lincoln, NE 68506.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 9, 2021 from 4-8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 5200 R Street, Lincoln, NE 68504.
Inurnment will be held 11 AM, Monday April 12, 2021 at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, NE 68138.