Donald “Don” Dire

Donald Wayne Dire, 85, Dickinson, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, surrounded by his family. Funeral Service for Don will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Hillside Baptist Church, Dickinson with Pastor Rob Grunden officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Dickinson Cemetery. All CDC guidelines and Health Department guidelines should be observed with social distancing and face masks are required.

Donald was born in Dickinson on June 24, 1935. He was the third child of Alfonso “Al” and Elizabeth (Sams) Dire. He married Angeline “Angie” Jaeger on July 9, 1953. A devoted husband, an exemplary father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Don was a man of impeccable integrity, kind, compassionate, earnest and hard working with a wonderful sense of humor and delightful wit. For 42 years, Don worked on the railroad as a conductor for BNSF. Additionally, Don and his wife Angie owned and operated the Village Gift Shop for 42 years. Don loved his home; it was his and Angie’s pride and joy. He loved spending hours working in his yard and sitting on his patio listening to his favorite gospel music. A man of faith, he never ceased to look for the good in others until he found it; even if they were not a Green Bay Packer Fan like he was.

His greatest joy was connecting with others and of course making others laugh. Coffee visits with his friends was part of his daily routine. Don enjoyed sharing the stories of his children, grandchildren and beloved great-grandchildren to all. His warm, generous spirit has enhanced the many lives he touched. In real and practical ways, he made the world a better place.

After 61 years of marriage, Angie passed away after losing her battle with cancer. Don began spending the winter months in Arizona where he met Judy Pantoga. They wed in September of 2015 and she passed away in 2018.

His smile, infectious laugh and ability to make everyone feel like family will be greatly missed.

He is survived by three of his children; Dawnie (John) Sullivan of Minot, Jane (Bob) Milner of Dickinson, and Kregg (Michelle) Dire of Bismarck; brother, Al (Judi) Dire of Auburn, Washington; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Paul; his parents, Al and Elizabeth; sisters, Lois Mary and Alene Patricia “Patty”; brothers, Robert and Harley Dire and great-grandson, Myles Sullivan.

Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, www.ladburyfuneralservice.com