DONALD JOHN LOUDEN, 88 years, of Oakland, formerly of Schuyler, NE, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2006, at the Oakland Memorial Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska.

Don was born August 24, 1918, in Columbus, Nebraska, to John W. and Mary (Emerton) Louden. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1938. Following his graduation, he worked as a carman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Columbus.

On October 14, 1938, Don and Mildred “Mim” Krivohlavek were united in marriage at Fremont, Nebraska. They had three children, John William “Bill”, Michael and Karen and were long-time residents of Schuyler.

Don served in the US Army 749th Railway Operating Battalion in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to work for the UP Railroad in Columbus. Don retired from railroading in 1979, after 40 years of service.

He was a member of the American Legion McLeod Post No. 47 in Schuyler, and past member of the United Methodist Church in Columbus, Brotherhood of Railway Carman of America and Blue Valley Lodge No. 6340. Don enjoyed being with his family, several trips with the Railroad Old Timers, and was an avid sports enthusiast, especially when it came to Husker Football.

In 1996, they moved to Oakland when Mim’s health declined. She passed away on November 8, 1997. At the time of his death, Don was residing at Oakland Height’s Assisted Living.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; sisters, Nellie Stromberg, Dolly Hurich; brother, P.E. Louden; and great granddaughter, Jennifer Prazan.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law: John William “Bill” and Katherine Louden of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael and Marcia Louden of Cape Haze, Florida; daughter and son-in-law: Karen and Lynn Pelan of Oakland; four grandchildren and their spouses; Beth and Brad Dush of Kearney, Nebraska; Amy and Dwayne Prazan of Fremont, Nebraska, Diane and Mark Johnson of Oakland, Nebraska, Jim and Danielle Pelan of Lyons, Nebraska; eight great grandchildren: Benjamin and Sarah Dush, Ryan, Garrett and Alex Prazan; Elliot and Emmet Johnson and Bailey Dawn Pelan.

FUNERAL SERVICES:  Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 10:30 a.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church in Schuyler, Nebraska

BURIAL: Schuyler Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion McLeod Post No. 47

VISITATION: Tuesday, January 2, 2007, from 10 a.m. – Noon at Pelan Funeral Services Oakland Chapel and will continue at the Christ United Methodist Church in Schuyler with the family receiving friends from 4 – 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: Schuyler Cemetery, United Methodist Church