Donald A. Kaberna, 68 of Wagner

The celebration of life tribute service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner, with burial in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 Tuesday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.

Donald Allen Kaberna was called home to Heaven on Saturday, October 29, 2011. He was the loving son of Frank E. Kaberna and Josephine (Novak) Kaberna. He was born on November 20, 1942, in Wagner, SD. He graduated from Wagner High School and continued his education at SDSU with a degree in Agricultural Science where he met the love of his life Carol Lynn Iverson, who became his wife on June 19, 1965 at Bergen Lutheran Church in rural Meckling, SD. Never a day apart, for the last 45 years they have laughed and loved, enjoying life's simplest pleasures together.

With nothing but a car and his clothes, he began his teaching career in Centerville, SD in 1964. He then taught in Rock Valley, IA and finally settled in Wagner SD where he taught shop and the agronomy program. He instilled his lessons into the minds of high schoolers for a total of 32 years In 1969 he purchased the farm Northwest of Wagner, SD and raised cattle, pigs and crops. Never one to sit still, Don also founded Kaberna Insurance and was Secretary of Bohemian Farm Mutual Insurance Company where he provided insurance services to the Wagner area for 31 years.

Since February 1986, Don was board member and officer in Randal Community Water District. He was honored to give back to his community as an officer or member in St. John Lutheran Church, Masonic Lodge, SD Corn Grower's Association, Old Iron Association, Fraternity of Alpha Zeta, Wagner Jaycees and SD Jaycees, Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota, North Bay Cottage Area and Fort Randall Boat Club.

He also served as SD State College 4-H Club President, led Wagner's FFA Chapter, taught FFA classes for adult farmers, was an officer in and held offices in Wagner, Centerville and Rock Valley Teachers' Associations.

Above all, Don was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He had an incredible zest for life and was known for always being positive. Don never missed a single concert, recital, play or game of his children. He even switched loyalty from the Jacks to the Coyotes to attend every one of Kevin's footballs games. Family gatherings were Don's most joyous occasions, being surrounded by the love and laughter of those he held dearest.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and loved working on the farm. Although it had grown substantial in size, it always felt like a hobby to him. He had a burning desire to visit new countries and hunt in exotic locations. His love to travel and explore was more important to him than the need to come home with an animal. He also loved spending time at Lake Francis Case water skiing and entertaining family and friends at the cabin. Never a season left untouched, even in the winter Don could be found outdoors snow skiing at Terry Peak or a mountain in Colorado.

Along with his wife Carol Kaberna, Don is survived by his three children, Susan LaHaise and her husband Todd of Fargo, ND; Darcy Kaberna and her husband Brent Gabel of Pickstown, SD; Kevin Kaberna of Newport Beach, CA; and three grandchildren Larissa, Ethan and Connor.

He also is survived by his brother Frank E Kaberna of Wagner, SD and sisters Jean and husband Bob Rademacher of Huron, SD and Karen and husband Dave Brown of Wagner, SD.

He is preceded in death by his father Frank J. Kaberna and his mother Josephine (Novak) Kaberna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Don Kaberna Memorial Scholarship Fund.


Pall Bearers:  Curt Kaberna, Gary Kaberna, Roger Wiltz, Frank E. Kaberna, Dave Isenbrands, Don Kotab, Bob Rademacher

Honorary Pall Bearers:  Kevin Kaberna, Ryan Rademacher, Brent Gabel, Todd LaHaise, Jeff Dyball, Scott Dyball, Doug Kaberna