Donald Little
January 1, 1970 ~ April 26, 2009
Donald R. Little, 88, passed from this life peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Bethany Homes in Fargo, ND under the care of Hospice. He was born to John and Agnes (McEachran) Little in St. Paul, MN. on October 2, 1920. The first born son of ten children. Don graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul in 1938 then attended the University of Wisconsin. He moved to Fargo in 1947 where he worked for Dakota Food Equipment. He started working for Northern Pacific Railroad in 1952 as a Steno Clerk, retiring in 1982 as Assistant Chief Clerk. He started Dakota Auditing Service in 1956 continuing his tax preparation service until 2003. Don was involved in community service. He was living in the Madison area when the tornado of 1957 hit, his home was lost and had to be rebuilt and at that time Don was appointed disaster co-chairman for the City of Fargo. He also organized the first citizens improvement association for the Madison area.
Don was actively engaged in city and state politics. He served for 25 years as State Chairman of the Legislative Committee for Railway Clerks. In addition, he served for 20 years as Executive Secretary and Commissioner of Fargo's Urban Renewal Agency and was active on the team that made Fargo an "All American City".
He served as chairman of the Model Cities Program for the three and one half year existence and served as Commissioner for the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 11 years. On June 25, 1949, he married Joanne Bartholomay at S1. Mary's Cathedral in Fargo. His spare time revolved around his love of reading, movies, and heading down the road with a packed car.
Don is survived by five children grateful to call him Dad. Deborah Little of Sacramento, CA, Pamela (Wayne) Rud, Brenda (Larry) Freyholtz of Fargo, ND; Brian Little of Moorhead, MN and Brent Little of Nashville, TN. Seven grandchildren; Jarrett and Erick Halverson, Traci Rud, Melissa Shol, Katie, Michael and Maggie Little. Seven great-grandchildren. Two brothers Harry Little, Rollie Little; one sister, Valerie Otis and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.
Visitation: 6 -7 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Bethany Homes Mavis Whiting Chapel. Memorial service: Friday, May 1, 2009 at 12:00 noon at Boulger Funeral Home.
Online guestbook at: www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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