Donald E. Knievel

Don, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at Westview with Alzheimer’s, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Donald Eugene Knievel was born August 14, 1942, in a rural farm house outside of Clearwater Nebraska. He was the second of 5 boys that became the Knievel family.

At the age of 14, the family moved to Sheridan. Don graduated from Sheridan High School in 1960 and went into the Army National Guard, stationed at Fort Leanord Wood Missouri.

In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise Livingston. He was the first employee at NAPA, and after several years became a food salesman for CFS Continental food services and soon became a member of the million dollar round table.

Traveling so much on his route, with a young family, he decided to stay home and work for his father-in-law, Amil Livingston. It was there that the YMCA found Don and Don found the YMCA. He soon became known as “Don from the Y” or “Mr. Soccer.” For approximately 27 years Don brought soccer to life, having thousands of Sheridan’s children go through the soccer program. Don took tour camp kids to 4 countries, including 2 trips to Germany. As a program director, he had Friday night movies, Saturday morning fun club, floor hockey and volleyball. He was asked to run the original Y ice rink for two years.

After retiring from the Y, Don became a senior companion through the Senior Center. Over the next few years he was friend and companion to over 22 WWII veterans.

Don loved music and was part of Bob Wilsons “Sheridanaires.” He loved the music and the hymns of the church, and he was an avid bird watcher.

Don was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cathy, his parent Hinie and Marie Knievel, 2 brothers, Larry and Robert. He is survived by two brothers Tom and Ron Knievel, his wife Louise, daughter Laura (Lee Foran), Son Brian (Alice) and daughter Janet (Louie Fichtner), and three grandchildren Sarah (Adam), Seth, and Samantha.

Memorials may be made to Sheridan County YMCA, the Hub on Smith Street or Camp Bethel.

Well done good and faithful servant.

A Service in Honor of Donald’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:30 PM, located at the Champion Kane Funeral Home with Military Honors to follow.

A dessert reception will take place after the service in the Champion Kane Reception Hall.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.