Donald Flesche

Donald (Don) James Flesche, 73, was born August 28, 1935 near Reynolds, North Dakota, the twin son of Edgar and Tilda (Engebretson) Flesche. He passed away December 6, 2008 at Arthur Good Samaritan in Arthur, North Dakota. Don spent his early years on his parents farm near Reynolds, attending grade school in a country school (a school that he later bought to save) and high school in Crookston, Minnesota. After high school, Don spent 2 years in the Army. He attended college courses in Crookston and at North Dakota State University. Don was married to Judy (Fuglesten) Flesche from 1962 until 1990. They lived first in rural Reynolds on the family farm before moving to Grand Forks, North Dakota. They had two children, Tami and Troy. Judy now lives in Arizona. Don was a farmer all of his life, sometimes full-time, sometimes part-time, always in thought. Don was also a proud and loyal employee of America Crystal Sugar Company in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, working as a machinist from 1966 until his retirement in 1998. He had many friends from his farming days and his time at American Crystal. After suffering from a stroke, he spent his final years at Arthur Good Samaritan Center in Arthur, North Dakota where he found a community and kindness. Don is survived by his daughter, Tami (Jerome) Reller of Bellevue, Washington and son, Troy (Michelle) Flesche of Mapleton, North Dakota; five grandchildren: Jayda Flesche, McKenna Reller, Drake Flesche, Lindsi Reller, and Jack Reller. He is also survived by his twin sister Dorothy (Loren) Ehlert of Parshall, North Dakota, his brother Perdean of Grand Forks, North Dakota and his sister-in-law Ila Flesche, wife of his late brother Everett. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Everett (Ila) Flesche of St. Hilaire, Minnesota. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2008 in East Walle Lutheran Church, Thompson, North Dakota. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2008 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, North Dakota. Interment: East Walle Church Cemetery, rural Thompson.