Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School

J.F. Houser Citizenship Scholarship in Memory of Donald J. Houser

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.

 

Excerpts from student thank-you letters

Past awardees share how receiving the scholarship made an impact in their lives:

“I sincerely thank you for the scholarship that was created in Donald’s honor. I am humbled and grateful that I was selected to receive this scholarship. It means so much to me and my family. I love attending Pius because you get to go to Mass and get to talk about your faith, all while you are at school. Although I have only been going to Pius for a year, I feel like I have been part of Pius’ family forever. Pius keeps the importance of family a priority and the Pius staff does such a good job of making sure that we are not just a high school but a unified family….I play football at Pius just like Donald did…I am also involved in Baseball and Student Council. My favorite subjects in school are math and science…I’m looking into studying biology in college. I admire Donald for his independent businessman spirit. His different business areas tell me that he was creative and liked a new challenge….My siblings also attend Catholic school and this scholarship has made our tuition costs more affordable for my parents and our family….Again, I want to thank you for this scholarship. You make a big difference, in your acts of kindness.”

“I want to let you know how much I appreciate being chosen as a recipient of the J.F. Houser Citizenship Scholarship. This generous scholarship will help me to continue my education at Pius X….I love attending Pius because it gives me opportunities to push myself and to grow in my faith….After I finish my education at Pius, I plan on attending UNL and studying special education and elementary education. I currently volunteer with a few organizations that work with kids with special needs, this includes: Penguin Project, Special Musicians, and I am part of a group called YAC that works with Special Olympics. I have also been working…for over 2 years and I love my job. I always strive to maintain a good balance between school, extra-curricular activities, and work….I am one of seven kids…This scholarship is very helpful for my family because of the cost of attending Catholic school, and two of my siblings are in college. My family and I are very grateful to you for this generous scholarship.”

don houser citizen scholarship
Fund Purpose/Criteria
Scholarships for students with outstanding citizenship qualities (e.g. oustanding behavior and discipline in the classroom and all extracurricular activities; citizenship in and outside of school)
Established in 2000
Students Supported: 40+

Donate to this scholarship by typing the fund name into the designation box on our donation form.

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