Don Weisgram

Donovan Duane Weisgram (Donnie) was born August 13, 1931, the third son of Peter and Mamie Weisgram in Belle River Township, Minnesota.  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 US Marine Corp 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 HWY 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 4 children: Duane, David, Shana, 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 & 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. Donnie served on the board of many organizations, usually as treasurer, including Pondera County 4-H, The Horizon Lodge, Wool Growers, and American Legion. Don was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many leadership roles.

Donnie died September 1, 2020 after suffering from dementia for several years.  He was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in a private family service.  Family & friends will gather in August 2021 to celebrate Donovan Weisgram’s life on his 90th birthday.

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

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

A ZOOM meeting is available. Please use the following information on your phone or computer ap.

Meeting: 81313612990

Passcode: Weisgram