Donald J. Hestekind, son of Alex and Myrtle Hestekind was born August 1, 1934 in Sterling, Colorado. He was confirmed at South Branch Lutheran Church, attended District 33 thru the 8th grade and graduated from Albion High School.

He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and became a flight engineer on the C130 transport planes. On September 15, 1958, Don was united in marriage to Shirley Crews, in New Jersey. They made their home on several Air Force bases around the country. Don fought for his country in the Korean War and several tours in Vietnam.
After retiring from the USAF on March 31, 1973, Don returned to the Petersburg area where he farmed for a period of time before starting the D&J Used Trucks dealerships in both Petersburg, Nebraska and Salina, Kansas with his brother Jerry.

Don was a member of the American Legion Post #62 and the VFW Post #5816.
He is survived by his 3 siblings: Robert Hestekind and wife Leona of Missoula, MT; Mary Ann Jenson and husband Richard of Norfolk; Jerry Hestekind and wife Judy of Elgin; 3 nieces: Laura Foshag and husband Burt, Lynda Patterson and husband Bob; Leslie Smith and husband Will; and 2 nephews: Michael Jenson and wife Malissa, and Bryan Hestekind and wife Crystal.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.