Donald Verne Cain, Sr., of Burwell, Nebraska, was called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 22, 2025, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. He passed peacefully at the age of 88, with the love and support of his family.
Don was born on April 2, 1937, at the family home in Burwell to Don Robert Cain and Mary Ellen (Pokorney). He was baptized on April 25, 1937, and confirmed on April 6, 1952, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He attended Burwell High School, graduating with the Class of 1955.
Don continued his education at the Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, where he earned his Junior Accounting degree in 1956. Thereafter, he was immediately offered two jobs—one as a bookkeeper with Grand Teton National Park, and the other for the City of Burwell.
His high school sweetheart, Jeanne Lee Chaffin, preferred to call Burwell home, so Don returned home and began work as the City Clerk. Don and Jeanne were married on June 7, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. In 1959, they welcomed their first son, Donald “Donnie” Verne Cain, Jr. In 1962, the young family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Don pursued Court Reporting at the Minnesota School of Business. To this endeavor he would say, “You stayed until you won.” He completed the program in 1964. The family returned to Burwell and welcomed their second son, Randall Lee Cain, in 1965. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Jeanne passed away in 1988.
Don dedicated a combined 44 years as court reporter, specifically serving the Nebraska District Court from 1964 to 1998, and again off and on despite attempting retirement. While on a court reporting trip, Don met Mary Lou Chandler at a local dance. They married on March 12, 1994, at Zion Lutheran Church in Worms, Nebraska, with his dear friend Rev. August W. Mummens officiating. Don and Mary Lou shared many happy years together, actively involved in the lives of their new blended family. Sadly, Mary Lou passed away in 2022.
Except for his brief time in Minnesota, Burwell was always home. Don’s life was marked by deep faith and service. He served his church as an officer, elder, trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, and teacher. One such special privilege for him was teaching confirmation classes, helping young people to grow in their faith. During pastoral absences, Don would read sermons—many notes of which remain lovingly preserved in the Bible he received at age 16. Don found great comfort in sharing his faith and would encourage people to always remember that “Jesus is Enough.”
In 1957, Don and his brother Paul purchased a farm together and worked on it until 2000 when Paul retired. Another joy of Don’s life was his horse racing days, when he and Paul were part of the Cain Brothers Racing Team. They won the Ozark Downs in 1969 and the Nebraska Derby in 1973 at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo.
Don was a faithful family man, an adored godfather, a steadfast friend, and very dutiful in his daily life. He is survived by his son, Randall “Randy” Cain of Hebron; grandson, Nathan Cain of Lincoln; granddaughter, Jentry Cain of Berwyn; nephew, Rev. Paul (Ann) Cain, Jr.; niece, Candace Cain; and a host of beloved extended and bonus family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mary; both wives, Jeanne and Mary Lou; his son, Dr. Donald Cain, Jr.; siblings and their spouses, Rosemarie (Vern) VanSlyke, Vonnie Cain, Betty (Vern) Brass, Paul J. (Velma) Cain, and John Corwin Cain; and his uncle, Edward Pokorney, whom he lovingly cared for.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell. Pastor Tim Reicks will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the family’s Choice for future designation. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
Comments