Donald G Huebner

DONALD GERHARD HUEBNER was born on January 21, 1930 at Villa Crespo, Entre Rios, Argentina, son of Pastor Gerhard and Ruth Huebner. His father baptized him on January 26, 1930. Donald is the third of six children born to Ruth and Gerhard.

In 1931, his mother traveled via ship back to the U.S. on furlough with the three children. Due to mission field obligations, his father traveled back to the U.S. alone. After several months of furlough, primarily in Nebraska and Wisconsin, the family returned to Argentina to resume their mission endeavors.

Having a garden, water-well, cow, pig, chickens, out-door oven (and privy), and plenty of space to play allowed for a great childhood for Donald and his siblings. They spoke German at home and Spanish at school.

His father accepted a call to Buenos Aires in 1938. Moving from Villa Crespo to the big city, no more space to roam as well as cramped living quarters, brought on tears for Donald.

Spring 1941 was furlough time again, and the family, this time with six children, boarded a ship heading back to the states. While in the U.S. his father accepted a call to Sherman Center, Wisconsin, to assist his aged father, Pastor Edmund. A country congregation near Milwaukee, Don, now 11 years, recalls living there as his wonderful “Mark Twain” years. Don was confirmed May 21, 1944 by his father at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Sherman Center. His special confirmation verse being: “fight the good fight of faith”, 1 Timothy 6:12.

Don then went off to dormitory living at Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI, graduating from the high school in 1948, and the junior college in 1950. He continued his schooling at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 1950-51, transferring then to Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, June 1953. In the fall of ’53 he began his teaching career at Bethlehem Lutheran School, Denver, CO. He taught 5th and 6th grade, sports, and youth groups.

On August 1, 1954 he married Doris Brauer at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, IL. They both taught school at Bethlehem, Denver, the 1954-1955 school year.

In 1955 Don accepted a call to Bethany Lutheran Church, Chicago, to begin a Lutheran school at this 50 year old congregation. Building a school, being principal and 7th and 8th grade teacher, youth group director, Sunday School superintendent, left little time for concentrated graduate work. In seven years, the school grew to 155 students, remolded facilities and became accredited.

During the summer of 1962, he accepted a social studies teaching position at Glenview Jr High, all while continuing on with graduate work and a second part time job. Don completed his master’s degree in 1964 from Concordia River Forest. This was followed with additional classwork requirements to obtain an administrative certificate, completed at De Paul University, Chicago. Throughout the succeeding years, Don continued on with correspondence courses form Vanderbilt University, working towards obtaining a doctorate in education. While almost having the requirements completed, short of two classes and dissertation, his time and money ran out—and he was needed by his family, his loved children, Jerry, Paul and Ruth.

Fall 1968 found Don principal of Mark Twain Elementary School in Niles, IL. Two years later he became principal of Gemini Jr. High in Niles. During the 20 years Don was principal, there were times he had over 1,000 7th and 8th graders under his watch. Don retired from that position in the spring of 1990, after having a very successful, extremely active and demanding principalship. Also, throughout the years, Don was a very active lay person at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Glenview, IL, chairman of congregation three years.

Upon retirement, the Huebners moved to Colorado Springs in the summer of 1991, primarily to be of assistance to the elderly Huebner parents living in Denver Lutheran Home. Don and Doris visiting them on a weekly basis, assisting to their needs, was a gift God granted them.

While becoming members of Holy Cross congregation in ’91, Don became active in the forming of the columbarium, retired men’s bible class, and ‘hands on’ partnering in helping build several homes for Habitat for Humanity. These endeavors continued when they transferred to Family of Christ Lutheran Church (FOC) in 2000. Don introduced the concept of having a columbarium at FOC and joined other volunteer members in revising and extending many essential FOC building projects. The church also raised funds which allowed the building of a new Habitat for Humanity house. Don found it to be a wonderfully rewarding experience of working together for others.

In his later years macular degeneration reared its ugly head. Troubled eyesight allowed no more driving, limited handy man projects, and required help with the mundane. You would often time hear him say with a smile “it takes a village—thank you, you have been blest by God to be a blessing”.

The Huebners moved into an assisted living facility in October, 2021. Although this was a drastic change, they found activities to enjoy. Jerry and Ruth lived nearby and visited and helped them often. They had many phone calls with Paul. Also visits from grandchildren Kevin and Kristin, and great grandchild Carter. Don loved to make baby Carter laugh, and visa versa. Don continued to attend the Friday bible classes at FOC. He kept his sense of humor, and the staff enjoyed caring for him.

His faith in Jesus his Savior, family and friends, was and remained foremost in his life Don was an inspiration and an example of God’s love to so many of the people his life touched.

Don ‘s wife, Doris, was called to heaven nine days after Don’s passing. Don is survived by his three children; Jerry, Paul, Ruth, his three grandchildren; Kate, Kristin, Kevin, three great grandchildren; Carter, Gracie, Hanna, and sisters Loida and Betty. He is preceded in death by brothers Bob and Ted and sister Elena.

Memorials may be given to Family of Christ Church, or Pikes Peak Academy, both located in Colorado Springs. The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at Morning Star Assisted Living and Family of Christ Lutheran Church for their care, compassion and support. We also want to thank our many family members and friends for their prayers and support. God’s continued blessing to you all.