Donald LeRoy Gudmestad, age 77, of Ottertail, MN, died at Perham Living, on Monday, April 9, 2012.
Don was born on November 6, 1934, to George and Carla (Andersen) Gudmestad, in Marion, ND. He grew up on the family farm at Litchville, ND, and attended country school, Rosebud 72, through the 8th grade. Don then attended Litchville High School and graduated in 1952. Following graduation, Don worked at Dahls Fairway Store in Litchville until entering the U.S. Army in July 1954. After being honorably discharged in 1956, Don attended the Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND, and worked at TI Strinden Company until 1959. He then attended school at Moorhead State College, Moorhead, MN, and worked at Leo Johnson Furniture Company in Moorhead. On September 6, 1958, Don married the love of his life, Gloria Matzke, in Marion, ND. They became parents to two sons, Tom and Paul. In 1964, Don and Gloria moved from Fargo to Minot, ND, where Don was employed as a Base Budget officer for 19 years. Don retired from the Air Force Base in April 1994. He and Gloria enjoyed a lake home at Garrison, ND, and later, moved to Ottertail, MN, in 2007. Don was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Eagles Club, Moose Club, Calvary Lutheran Church and was past member of the Balmoral Golf Course. He was a heck of a guy.
Surviving Don is his wife, Gloria; sons, Tom (Michelle) Gudmestad and Paul (Abby Zink)Gudmestad; two grandchildren, Nathan and Ryan; sister, Lois (Gerry) Opdahl; brothers, Neil (Arnie) Gudmestad and Lyle (Faye) Gudmestad, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Don in death are his mother and father, and one brother, Dean.
Memorials are preferred to the Calvary Lutheran Maintenance and Repair fund.