Donald M. Wilmes

Donald M. Wilmes, 87, Richardton, died Monday, Jan. 7, at the Baptist Home, Bismarck.

Don’s Mass of Christian burial is 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Rev. Boniface Muggli, O.S.B., as the celebrant, and Rev. Brian Wangler, O.S.B., as the con-celebrant. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will be provide by the Richardton American Legion, Theo. R. Zech Post No. 180.

Visitation is today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church, with a rosary and vigil service at 8 p.m.

Donald M. Wilmes was born Oct. 3, 1925, at Glen Ullin, the son of Peter J. and Theresa (Tavis) Wilmes. He was raised and educated in Glen Ullin, graduating from Glen Ullin High School in 1943.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 12, 1946, and served honorably until his discharge on May 25, 1948.

Don was united in marriage to Helen Weinzirl on Nov. 16, 1948, at Herreid, S.D. They made their home in Glen Ullin where he operated heavy equipment during the construction of the Heart River Dam.

The family then moved to Washington state where he attended telegrapher school. They returned to North Dakota in 1952 where Don began a 33-year career with Northern Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1985, and since 1958, they have made Richardton their home.

He was an avid golfer and bowler. He belonged to the Richardton Lions Club, and the Dickinson Elks.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen; five children, Claude (Carol), Bismarck, Koleen (Gerald) Hoff, Richardton, Wayne (Sandi), Aurora, Colo., Lauren (Rosie), Richardton, and Neal (Marilyn), Golden Valley; 14 grandchildren, Gregg (Maria) Wilmes, Erin Wilmes, Brent (Pam) Hoff, Wendy (Dustin) Mitzel, Leah (Andy) Campbell, Tara (Matt) Weber, Amber (Rob) Bartz, Wanda (Bryan) Schwab, Michael (Melissa) Wilmes, Chris (Lance) Larsen, Ross (Sara) Wilmes, Christopher (Sara) Wilmes, Erik Wilmes, and Lindsey (Ryan) Hahn; and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John; sisters, Leona Schneider and Eileen (Jerome) Gerving; in-laws, Ethelyn Wilmes, Pauline Wilmes, Gertrude O’Meara, Mary Ann Lindauere, Arnold (Betty) Weinzirl, Liz (Hope) Steele, and Maggie Weinzirl; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law; brothers and sisters, Glen (Margaret), Pauline (Lester) Schonert, Helen “Holly” Wilmes, Ray (Dorothy), Wilfred, Art, and Marion (Paul) Filibeck; in-laws, Rose Wilmes, Shirley Wilmes, Clarence Schneider, Joe (Ella) Weinzirl, Al (Mary) Weinzirl, Charlie Weinzirl, Teresa (John) Weisbeck, Margaret (Bernard) Nelson, Stella (Bernard) Geffre, Bob Lindauere, and Wilbur O’Meara; two great-grandchildren, Payton Campbell and Elijah Bartz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Richardton Health Center, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.

www.ladburyfuneralservice.com

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