Dona Marie (James) Ondracek

Dona Marie Ondracek, 88, of Wolbach, died on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Wolbach. Interment will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach.  Pastor Serene Samuel will be officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Wolbach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or the Wolbach Park Fund.

Dona was born on February 2, 1937, to Patrick and Alice (Beekman) James in Grand Island, Nebraska. Her family moved to Wolbach after purchasing the James Produce Station when she was 10 years old. The business was at a perfect location on Main Street and Dona had many stories she shared regarding her adventures with friends and her future husband, Carl, with his ‘fancy car’ cruising the street, much to the dismay of her father who was trying to get customers into his business.  Upon graduation from Wolbach High School in 1956, Dona moved to Omaha with several friends and worked at the Grain Exchange.

After working in Omaha, the couple decided to settle on the farm life and exchanged wedding vows on November 25, 1956, in Wolbach and they made their home in rural Greeley County where they farmed and raised their 4 children. Dona was not just a wonderful mom, grandma, and great grandma; she was a beacon of love and kindness in her community. Her passion for babysitting and teaching Sunday and Bible school enriched the lives of countless children. She loved the babies and was lovingly referred to as the baby snatcher and baby whisperer. If there was a baby near, it was soon cuddled in her arms. Dona’s talents shone through in her baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, and embroidery, making her home a warm and inviting place for family and friends alike. Together with her husband, Carl, she embraced life to the fullest—whether it was playing cards, dancing, or attending the numerous activities of their grandchildren and great grandchildren, every moment was an opportunity to create lasting memories with family.

In 2009, Carl and Dona moved to town and were fortunate to call the house in Wolbach that Dona grew up in, their new home. As dedicated members of the United Methodist Church in Wolbach, Dona’s leadership in the church, her participation with the Logans Ladies’ Aid, and her love of volunteering showcased her commitment to the community. If there was a need, Dona was always ready to lend a helping hand and found immense joy in brightening the days of others.  Her passion for the color red reflected her bold personality and zest for life.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Jodi (Lonnie) Awtry of Grand Island, Scott of Greeley, Rocky (Pam) Ondracek of Wolbach, Patsi (Mike) Tobey of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren with 1 great-grandchild on the way, sisters, Deanna (Dick) Greek of Brule, Tami Moore of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Betty Ondracek of Grand Island, Bonnie James of Omaha, Betty Wagner of Round Rock, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dona was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Alice James; husband, Carl; brother, Don James; sister, Patti Krings, and daughter-in-law, Peggy Ondracek.