He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of thirty-three years Julia Marie O'Connor Havekost in 1997; younger brother Dale, in 2013, brother-in-law, Alan Ott, in 2025, son, Joel Marreel in 2025.
He is survived by his second wife, Connie J. (Hummel) (Marreel) Havekost; daughters, Kendra Weast and husband Jason of Culpeper, Virginia; Seana Whapham and husband John of Montgomery, Ohio; daughter Jill Woodward and husband Bart of Minden, Nebraska; daughter Tammi Marreel of Hooper, Nebraska; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister Barb Muller and husband Duane; sister Genell Havekost, many nieces and nephews and many friends and former colleagues.
Don would like to be remembered as a man who lived well, laughed often and loved much; who gained the respect of intelligent men and women and the love of children and grandchildren; who filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
A celebration of life service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper, Nebraska on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 10:30. Please direct memorial funds to an academic scholarship fund of your choice for deserving seniors in high school to attend college.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
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