Donald P. Flaxbeard
July 6, 1925 – September 22, 2024
Donald P. Flaxbeard was born to parents, Paul W. and Agnes F. Flaxbeard, on July 6, 1925, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Omaha, NE.
He lived a charmed life growing up in Council Bluffs with his siblings, Roylyn, Robert, and Patricia. He loved to share stories of his childhood. One of his best memories was taking his little sister, Pat, to her dance lessons on his bicycle.
He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1943. In 1950, he was drafted for the Korean War and spent 2 years stateside helping with the war effort.
He married the love of his life, Irene Frankoff, on October 9, 1953, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. They met at CrossTown roller rink. Together they raised 6 children: Janet, Steve, Elaine, Mark, Gary, and Paul. Life was very busy for them, but they took the time to enjoy their mutual love of music and dancing.
Don was a loyal employee of Union Pacific Railroad and Control Data. He built friendships that lasted until his last days.
When the kids were grown, Don and Irene continued to enjoy listening and dancing to music. They especially enjoyed Sinatra and big band music. They were regular attendees at Ross’s, Julios, and Anthony’s, where Don earned the nickname of “The Ghost” in appreciation of his support for local musicians. Again, the friendships he nourished lasted his lifetime.
Don and Irene were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. While he may not have been able to see them in person often, he loved seeing pictures of them and hearing about their accomplishments and antics.
We are fortunate to have been able to celebrate his 99th birthday earlier this summer. Music was provided by his son-in-law, Michael “Gooch” Gurcuillo and Joey Gulizia. Many family members, friends, and his wonderful neighbors were able to attend to let him know how much he was loved.
Don is survived by his sister, Pat Carlson; his children: Janet (Tom) Jackson, Steve Flaxbeard, Elaine (Mike) Gurcuillo, Mark (Jo Ann) Flaxbeard, Gary (Chris) Flaxbeard, Paul Flaxbeard; and 12 grandchildren (Brian, Dan, Tim (Jackson), Nick, Joe (Flaxbeard), Jennie (Louderback), John Paul, Jack, Michael (Flaxbeard), Megan (Gustafson), Sara, Grace (Flaxbeard) and 10 great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents, Paul and Agnes; and his siblings, Roylyn (Parke), and Robert.
His family is grateful for the love, support, and friendships Don experienced. He lived a wonderful life.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:30AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. Omaha with VISITATION from 9:30-10:30AM. INTERMENT with MILITARY HONORS: Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church or Make A Wish.
7 Comments
So sorry for your loss. Don and Irene were friends to my parents Bud and Ann Talarico. I remember them both so well and how sweet they were.
Thank you, Theresa. Many fond memories of you, Bud and your parents at either our home or yours!
My sincere sympathy to all of you. I am sorry that I will not be there ti give you hugs. He was so much fun and a great smile.
Thank you, Kathy. Lots of great memories, that’s for sure!!
don was a life long cousin. we shared music interest and hours in the basement listening and drinking a blue moon with orange slice. love you so much don.
Thanks Ed & Bev. Years of wonderful memories with you and your family!
I’m sorry to just now be learning of Don’s passing. I was honored to have delivered Meal on Wheels to Don for the past 5 years. The first time was on my birthday in 2019 and up until this year he’d always remember. That first delivery turned into a visit as he had many pictures on his table of his beloved recently-passed Irene. He was so happy to talk about her and their wonderful life together – I was glad to oblige (thankfully, his was my last delivery of the day). He then asked if I could arrange to always have his be last so we could visit – and again, always (while kindly inquiring about me and my family) the talk turned to Irene. Don’s love for her and his family was clearly his greatest joy and I was happy to listen while he reminisced.
Please know how sorry I am for your loss, but also please know that I too, will miss my Tuesday chats with Don. I still offer up a prayer every time I pass the house.
Blessings to you all.
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