Donald M. Cleary
December 9, 1944-March 24, 2025
Donald M. Cleary age 80 of Omaha Nebraska passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Don was born on December 9, 1944, in Atkinson, Nebraska to Alex and Ella (Mlinar) Cleary. He attended St. Joseph elementary school until 1958 when the family moved to Elgin Nebraska. Don attended Saint Boniface school in Elgin until 1962, then attended St. John Vianney seminary in Elkhorn Nebraska, where he graduated in 1963. Don studied two years of Theology at St. John Vianney and then attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received his degree.
Don was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on Saturday, May 29, 1971, by Archbishop Daniel Sheehan, Archbishop of Omaha and ceremonies at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha. Don then celebrated his first mass on Pentecost Sunday on May 30, 1971, at St Joseph’s Church in Atkinson, Nebraska.
Don served as an associate pastor in Omaha at Holy Cross Parish, Christ the King Parish, and St. Peter Parish. He was director of campus ministry and co-coordinator of religious programs at the former Paul VI High School in Omaha, while in residence at nearby St. Patrick Parish.
He began serving rural parishes as an associate pastor at Saint Patrick in O’Neill, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Fordyce and St. Joseph in Constance, St. Mary in Wayne, St. Peter in Fullerton and St. Peter in Clarks, NE, St. Charles Borromeo in North Bend and St. Leo in Snyder, St, Boniface in Elgin, NE and, retired and was in residence at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Omaha from 2015-18.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Alex and Ella; and by his brothers: Bill Cleary, Frank Cleary and twin brother Dan Cleary.
He is survived by his sister Ruth (Jim) Hausmann of Kearney; and his brother Tom (Helen) Cleary of Columbus; and many nieces and nephews.
Don performed many baptisms, weddings, and funerals over the years for family and friends. Don was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and great uncle; and a great friend to so many.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 12 Noon with VISITATION beginning at 11:00AM, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5419 N. 114th St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 2:00PM, St. Joseph Cemetery, Atkinson, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Elementary School, Atkinson, NE.
To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
10 Comments
May dear, Father Don, rest in peace.
My Classmate from high school onward. Peace to you. See you soon.
Fr Don strove to be a good priest and I personally always experienced him that way. May the Lord forgive all our sins and bring His servant to that place of rest and peace promised us.
Very much enjoyed his homilies, very down to earth.
Fr Don, Thank you for your many years of service to Gods people. I can still hear you singing “ Going Home” at our mother’s funeral in North Bend. And your beautiful smile . May you soar like an eagle to your heavenly home. Rest in Peace. John and Jeanine Emanuel
What a dear, gentle, kind and loving priest. Always easy to talk to and always with a smile. God bless you Father Shane. You will be missed.
Our family appreciated and enjoyed Fr. Don during his time in Fullerton. May he rest in peace.
Peace to you and thank you.
Thank you for your kind welcoming of my family to Wayne, NE. You gave first Communion to 2 of our daughters and Confirmation to all three. I was invited to participate in many ministries. May God welcome you to your home in heaven!
Although his passing brings sadness to all who were blessed by his presence, I wanted to share this and maybe bring a smile to some faces.
Father Cleary was the cool young priest at Holy Cross parish way back in the day. He was a favorite to all of us kids but especially to the girl’s sports teams. Back then, girls were just beginning to get opportunities in the sports world. Father Cleary supported us and attended all volleyball and softball games.I have thought about him many times and am so glad to read about his journey in life. It appears he spread his love to many over the years. It has been over 50 years and the impression he left on me as a young child has stayed with me.
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