Donovan “Donnie” Duane Weisgram passed away Sept. 1 at his home in Conrad. He was laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in a private family service with military honors.

Donnie was born Aug. 13, 1931, the third son of Peter and Mamie Weisgram in Belle River Township, Minn. He enjoyed his childhood on the farm, working with draft horses, dairy cows, and row crops. He fondly remembers his mom and grandma and working their cash crop in the pickle patch. He used his draft horse, Duke, to bring the firewood home from their woods. He had an idyllic childhood on their farm. He exhibited the Champion Jersey Heifer at the Minnesota State Fair as a 4-H member.

Don proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952. He was trained as a metalsmith and worked as an airplane mechanic, serving in California, Tennessee, and Florida. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1960.  Semper Fi.

Donnie came to Montana as a metal worker building guardrails on Highway 2. He met and married his wife, Reta Rae Berthelson, in 1954. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. To this union, they were blessed with four children, Duane, David, Shana, and Owana; 11 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Donnie always had a head for numbers and worked as a bookkeeper at John Deere Implements and as an automotive parts man at H-O Parts. He farmed on the side, raised animals and a large garden. He spent his retirement years working alongside Reta Rae at the Shelby quilt store, where the ladies loved him. Don was handy, and took great pride in his work, sharing his skills with his children and family. Donnie was kind and always had a smile and encouraging word for others.

Donnie volunteered as a Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Pack Leader, Jaycee, 4-H volunteer and celebrated 50 years as a Montana Hunter Safety Instructor. He served on the board of many organizations, usually as treasurer, including Pondera County 4-H, The Horizon Lodge, Wool Growers, and American Legion. During his lifetime, Donnie donated 25 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many leadership roles.

Don is survived by his wife, Reta Rae; son, Duane (Carol) Weisgram and family, Luke and Carlie Weisgram, Emily, Jaden and Jace Baker; son, David (Laura) Weisgram and family, Tessa (Neal) Rash and family, Katie, Jaylynn, Andrea, and Kylie Weisgram, Tanner and Erica Weisgram, Nicholas and Sully; daughter, Shana (Jim) Withee and family, Katee and Cory, Kenny, Julee and Nick; grandson, Dallas Helton; great-grandsons, Keagan and Holden;  as well as many nieces, nephews and family members.  He was loved.

Don was preceded by his parents; brothers, LaVerne and Melvin; daughter, Owana; and grandchildren, Holly Helton and Tyler Weisgram.

Condolences may be left on Donnie’s memorial page at www.asperfh.com.