Donald Lanes

Donald Gordon Lanes passed away in his home Feb. 11th at the age of 86. He was born in Grafton, N.D. on May 11, 1921 to Carl and Mary Lanes. After graduating from high school in Grafton, he went to California to work in the Lockheed airplane factory. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific on LST 473 for the duration of World War II. In the mid-90's he was able to reconnect with surviving shipmates and enjoyed email contact and visiting with them in his later years. After discharge from the Navy, he attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. Don spent all of his adult life working in one phase or another of the electrical industry, from Master Electrician, wireman, distribution, design, apparatus salesman to teacher and inspector. Don was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church for over 50 years, as well as a long time member of the DAV/VFW and the Sons of Norway. He was a life member of the American Legion. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. For many years he held the #1 season ticket to the Ray Richards Golf Course. As a member of the New Voice Club (a laryngectomy support group), he was an inspiration to many who struggled to relearn speech after a aryngectomy. Don was proud to be the patriarch of a large and loving family. He married Evelyn Svaren on May 26, 1948 and is survived by her and their four children Phyllis Johnson, Severn, MD., Audrey Arguijo (Pete), Pleasanton, TX, Ruth Rutten (Leo), Harvey, N.D., and Richard Lanes (Tami), Grand Forks, 13 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister, Thelma Soderstrom, and 3 brothers Harris, Clifford and Carl Jr. The family has requested that memorials be sent to the Altru Cancer Center or Calvary Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the Spring of 2008.