Donnie Guy Rookstool, 71, of Stromsburg, Nebraska entered his eternal rest on October 3, 2024.

Donnie's journey started on February 20, 1953 during a blizzard at the doctor's office in Ansley, Nebraska with parents Lester Guy Rookstool and Lucille Frances (Crouch) Rookstool.  He contracted polio at 15 months and spent a lifetime overcoming its ravages.  Despite that hardship, he enjoyed hunting and camping as a child and had a favorite pony, Whitefoot.  He was a 1972 graduate of Ansley High School and graduated from Central Community College with an Associate's Degree in Computer-aided Design.

Donnie was a fighter. He overcame polio and its residual symptoms. While in time, polio would render him wheelchair bound, he still found ways to give back to the world.

 In 2004, he, with many other volunteers, partnered with "Wheels for the World," to collect over 150 wheelchairs and walkers for the purpose of restoring them to help others with varying disabilities obtain tools to help make their lives easier.

Donnie also faced substance abuse challenges. Donnie was an active member of Narcotics Anonymous for over 40 years, and developed many long-lasting friendships, on the road that was maintaining his sobriety.

Donnie married Anna Doretta Nolte on May 18, 1985 in the chapel at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island.  They shared a deep and abiding love until Anna's death on March 14, 2023.  He was preceded in death by not only Anna, but also his parents, Guy and Lucille, step-mother Nola Rookstool, step-sister Joy Fuller, nephew Chris McCurdy and many aunts, uncles and friends.

He is survived by daughter Sherry Livingston; grandsons Dakota Pascoe and Austin, Dalton, and Nicholas Livingston; grandchildren Alexander, Braxton, Isla, Dakota Jr., and Elijah Pascoe; step-children DaNell Bartunek, grandchildren Cody Barr and Tre Barr; DeAnna Galvan and Darren Bartunek; sisters Darlene (Gregg) Goddard and Naomi (Pat) McCurdy; step-siblings Cheryl (Phil) Smith, Neil Bailey, Jacki (John) Bailey-Clark, Tom (Irene) Bailey, Nels (d'Aun) Sorensen, and Angela (Lynn) Thomas; special cousin Larry Crouch, and many nieces and nephews.  He was also loved dearly by his service dog, Carlie Jo, who survives.

Donnie lived a life marked by perseverance and persistence.  He loved and was loved by many. 

Services will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Stromsburg with Pastor Keet Redden officiating. Inurnment will be in the Stromsburg Cemetery.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome.com