Donald VanHoff

Donald W. Van Hoff, 93, Grand Forks, ND died Monday, December 5, 2011 in Valley Memorial Home Eldercare of Grand Forks. Donald William Van Hoff was born August 30, 1918 in Mekinock Township of Grand Forks County, ND the son of Ralph and Hattie (Boumeester) Van Hoff. He graduated from High School at Emerado, ND then attended Aaker's Business College and UND. He worked for Dupont Co. in Minneapolis, MN. In 1942, Donald entered the U. S. Navy. He served during WWII in Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands and the Western Pacific. After his discharge, Donald lived in California where he married Alma Woods in 1946. He was employed as a consulting engineer in Michigan before moving to Grand Forks. While working for many years as a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor for the North Dakota State Highway Department, Donald lived in both Grand Forks and Minot, ND. He married Mildred (Ostdahl) Wilhelm in 1974 in Grand Forks. Donald and Mildred later retired and moved to Mesa, AZ. They traveled extensively during that time. They also lived in Minneapolis, MN where Mildred died October 30, 2009. Donald loved golf and camping. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially golf, baseball, football and soccer. Survivors include his son: David Van Hoff, Kempton, ND; step-children, Patricia (Charles) Petersen, Bloomington, MN and Wayne (Joann) Wilhelm, Grand Forks, ND; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; son, Donald; sister, Irene; brothers, Harold and Russell, and a grandson, Todd. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the ND Army National Guard.