Donnely “Don” Lima

June 28, 1933-May 9, 2024

Rugby

Donnely “Don” Lorn Lima, the son of Tom and Mabel “Allickson” Lima was born on June 28, 1933 in Rugby, North Dakota. He died at the age of 90 years on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Trinity Homes in Minot, North Dakota.

Don grew up on the family farm near Wolford and continued to live there for 90 years. He attended Juniata Township School. In 1961, he enlisted in the National Guard, was drafted in the US Army and called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. After active duty, he was transferred back to the Army National Guard to complete his service and was honorably discharged in 1963. He then returned to the family farm and continued to farm until 1983, when he started work as a heavy equipment mechanic which he did until he was almost 80 years old. After retirement, he continued to ‘tinker’ on anything that needed fixing until his stroke in February. In recent years, he enjoyed being Alan Olsen’s sidekick through many adventures and coffee conversations. He would never admit to it, but enjoyed taking care of the farm cats, even getting a heated water bowl for them. He enjoyed being outside and going to the Corregidor Bar for ‘one’ iced beer. He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Bismarck and was very proud of his very worn metal VFW card.

Don is survived by his nephew and nieces, Jeff Leitzke of Moses Lake, WA, Karen (Dan) Wiersma of Kettle Falls, WA, Lori (Mike) Miron of Rugby, Kara (Jason) Hageness of Bismarck, Kindra Lima-Hageness of Libby, MT and Heather Lima of Minot; 9 great nephew’s and nieces, Kalia & Kyle Borgen, Paige Hageness, Brooke Soley, Alexis Higareda, Kennedy Johnson, Haylee Miron, Khalyn Hageness and Kelsy Ledeboer; 9 great-great nephews and nieces; sister-in-law, Jeraldine Lima; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bud Lima; sister, Bernell Leitzke and his parents.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at a later date at the Wolford Cemetery.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, May 18, 2024.