Donald Joseph Houser was born and raised in Lincoln, Neb. He grew up with his brother, Jim, and sister, Phyllis, in St. Teresa’s parish where he was an altar boy. He attended St. Teresa elementary school and graduated from Pius X High School in 1958.

Donald participated in many sports activities at Pius X. He was a standout running back for the football team, earning All-State honors. He was a successful track athlete as well, holding the school’s shot put record for many years. He also played basketball for the Thunderbolts and He and his future wife, Donna Breitfelder, were elected homecoming king and queen their senior year.

Donald received a scholarship to play football at the University of Nebraska where he played at running back position for a year and a half. During that time he received inquiries from professional teams, but unfortunately he was injured during his sophomore season and had to end his football career.

Donald and Donna were married after high school. They raised three children, Randy, Dana and John on 80 acres of farmland near Walton, Neb. After the end of his football days, Donald became an independent businessman in Lincoln. He owned and operated a liquor store for a number of years before starting up his own waste disposal business, Houser Refuse. He successfully managed Houser Refuse for more than 20 years before turning over it over to his sons.

Donald loved his farm and raised horses and cattle on the land. He loved children and enjoyed spending time with his own children and grandchildren until his death on July 29, 2000.

This scholarship was created in Donald’s honor by his brother, Jim.