Donald Fiedler was attorney, actor and 'champion of the underdog'

[Heidi]

I met Mr. Fiedler more than 10 years ago, after seeing his performance of "Bryan" at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Safe passage, Mr. Fiedler.

Published Friday, May 16, 2008
Donald Fiedler was attorney, actor and 'champion of the underdog'
BY C. DAVID KOTOK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Omaha lost one of its true characters Thursday with the death of attorney Donald Fiedler.

Fiedler, 65, led a life of contrasts. He was an all-state lineman at Omaha Central High School who blocked for legendary running back Gale Sayers. After law school, Fiedler became the state's leading advocate for legalizing marijuana.

At the birth of the Old Market, Fiedler took up residence above the French Cafe with his sheepdog, Splash.

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"Don was always the champion of the underdog," Smith said. "He believed marijuana helped people cope with illness and life's problems."

Fiedler battled pancreatic cancer for nearly a year.

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