Don Haluza

Donald James Haluza of Omaha, Nebraska passed away comfortably in his home early morning December 27th. Don was born Monday May 29th 1939 and was 86 years of age.

Growing up with an older brother named Jerry and two younger siblings, Roy and Alva, it made for an adventurous childhood. He grew up in East Omaha with the family travelling to California and Colorado before making it back to Omaha where Don attended North High School. He lettered in wrestling and made it to state. In 1956 he was 17 years old and enlisted in the Army. By his surprise he was stationed in Stuttgart Germany where he proudly served his country ranking as a sharp shooter and embarking on journeys like train rides to Switzerland and visiting Amsterdam. He skilled third in proficiency amongst the others and continued wrestling, victoriously challenging twice his weight class. In 1960 he completed his duties coming back to America to lastly stand guard at the Sacramento State building in California. He was blessed with two sons not long after. Most of his career was at Western Electric in personnel. He went on to have three beautiful daughters. His job gave him the opportunity to move to NYC where a great business and friendship was born with Tom Helligso who he started a property investment company with after taking an early retirement.

Don had a deep love for the earth and it's beauty. He was an avid walleye fisherman, mountain climber, poker player, and golfer. He built his own wooden canoe and took on the Niobrara River close to 100 times. He climbed Longs Peak in Colorado several times and loved fishing with many friends. Towards his later days he found companionship with a silver back Yorkie who he named Bogie. Bogie never left his side. They were a hole in one together.

We will have a celebration of life gathering at 4515 F street on Thursday January 29th from 5 to 8 pm. 5-6pm social hour and 6pm for an honorable mention. Food and drink provided