Donna Lee Radford was born Feb. 8, 1942, near Garrison, the daughter of George and Lauretta (Theewen) Cermak and passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Aug. 24, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 16 days.
Donna grew up in the Garrison area, where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in David City, graduating with the Class of 1959. She worked as a waitress in David City for a couple of years. On May 7, 1963, she was united in marriage to Clifford M. Radford at St. Francis Catholic Church (Center) and to this union, four children were born, Jeff, Gina, Jody and Julie. The couple moved to Seward after their marriage.
Donna started her own in-home daycare, pouring her heart into caring for children each day. She loved the relationships she had with each child she cared for and took great pride in her work, helping numerous families care for their children for nearly 25 years. Donna suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years, but she never let the pain bring her down. She was a Campfire leader for several years.
Donna was an avid Husker fan and she bowled in a women’s league for a number of years. Donna prayed the Rosary daily, which was a true testament to her faith and gave her the strength she needed to carry on. She was a 50+ year member of KOPS. She had a big personality and a great sense of humor which everyone loved. Donna was a longtime member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where she served on the PCCW.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford; parents-in-law, Orville and Clara (Klepper) Radford; two brothers, Richard and Delmar Cermak; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Survivors cherishing Donna’s memory include her four children, Jeff (Sheri) Radford, Gina (Joel) Germer, Jody (Mark) Navratil and Julie (Todd) Hartman; 10 grandchildren, Jordan Germer (fiancé, Taylor Duncan), Jayden Germer, Jaycie Germer, Drew Navratil, Dylan (Catherine) Navratil, Mackenzy (Brad) Ernesti, Mitchell Navratil, Jared Hartman, Michael Hartman and Grant Hartman; brother, Lee (Debbie) Cermak; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Verna Neujahr, Weldon (Trudy) Radford, Evelyn (Bill) Reynolds, Marty Jacobs; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Closed casket visitation will be Friday, Aug. 29, from 3 – 8:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Graveside services and interment will follow at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Masses.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
