Donald A. Votava, age 95 of Lincoln, NE, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in Lincoln. He was born on November 15, 1930 to Adolph and Julia (Smejkal) Votava in Colfax County, NE. He was united in marriage to Marlene R. Brabec on May 1, 1954 in Clarkson, NE.
Don spent 45 years working for Nebraska Public Power District as a lead instrument technician, working with metering, and testing power generators across the state. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War stationed in Japan. Don enjoyed researching genealogy and was a talented accordion player. He was a dedicated leader and longtime supporter of Boy Scout Troop 174 in York, NE. Don could be found on Husker football Saturdays serving as an usher with Troop 174, on the 40 yard line in west Memorial Stadium for many years.
Don was a proud member of the Czechs of York club and deeply devoted to his Czech heritage. For many years during Czech Days in Clarkson, NE, he would meet with people in the Clarkson library to talk about, and record, their ancestry. He collected a very large database of genealogy information. Don traveled to the Czech Republic twice enjoying more family research time.
He is survived by his sons Russ Votava of Lincoln; Gregg (Julie) Votava of Lincoln; grandchildren Jaime Votava of Lincoln; Ryan (Mallory) Conner of Lincoln; Danielle (Nik) Fox of Lincoln; Dallis Votava of Lincoln; Devony Votava of Lincoln, and a number of great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Svoboda of Schuyler, NE; sister-in-law Vera (Bernie) Wieman of Fremont, NE; and brother-in-law Gerald (Rita) Brabec of Clarkson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Julia, and his wife Marlene.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson, NE. Following the Mass, interment will be at the Clarkson Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held in York from 1-8 pm on Monday, with his family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m., all at the mortuary. There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the services in Clarkson on Tuesday morning. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter in memory of his wife Marlene Votava.