Donald Bauske
Donald J. Bauske of Fargo passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at his home.
Don was born in Crystal Springs, Kidder County, North Dakota to Leonard and Flora (Meisch) Bauske. Donald was the fourth of thirteen children Leonard and Flora raised on a farm in Dawson, North Dakota. Don told many colorful stories about growing up in rural North Dakota with a large, boisterous family and wonderful friends.
Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army with his brother. He was a member of the Honest John Rocket Battalion and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for two years. Don was honorably discharged following his service.
After his discharge from the service, Don lived and worked in Fargo. Don met Darlene Schultz when she was working at the Ritz cafe in Fargo. Don and Darlene were married for forty-nine years, until her death in 2012.
Don retired from the City of Fargo after thirty-seven years with the garbage department. During his time with the department, the workers were a close family, with friendships lasting far beyond the workday.
Don was preceded in death by: his mother; father; wife, Darlene; son-in-Law, Terry Wilm; brothers Lyle and Larry; and sisters Mary, Phoebe, Carol Brown, and Myrna Roll.
Don is survived by: son Ray (wife: Connie Cleveland), of Fargo; daughter LaDonna Quinton (husband: Corey Quinton), of Fargo; grandchildren Dr. Mitchell Bauske (Dr. Elizabeth Bauske), of Boise ID; Claire Ruth (Brandon Ruth) of Omaha, NE; Matthew Bauske, of Minneapolis, MN; Nick Wilm, Nathan Wilm, and Lucas Wilm of Fargo; brothers: Lloyd Bauske and Jerry Bauske; sisters: Marion Schmidt, Laverne Slaughter, Joan Stertz, and Fern Bauer.
Beyond those usual characterizations and measures of life, these are the things his family knows: Don was a hard-worker. He liked to fix things. He was predictable, and always early. He didn't pretend. He spoke his mind. He was a loyal brother and friend. The group he met with daily for breakfast was important to him. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren. He highly valued his independence.
Don will be greatly missed by his family, who are left with an immense sense of loss. Due to the current limitations on gatherings, no public funeral will be held. The family will have a private service.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook, please go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My heart weighed so heavily when I heard the news about Dons passing. I grew up next to Don & his family on 7th Ave. They were more like family then neighbors. I would run into Don at car events, he always had a smile & talked highly of his kids & grandkids. Don you will be missed.
It was a honor and pleasure getting to know Don. We will greatly miss your sense of humor and kindness. Deepest sympathy and prayers during this difficult time.
Ray, Connie and family- Our deepest condolences for the loss of you Dad. We occasionally would run into him and always enjoyed chatting with him, most recently a couple weeks ago.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourselves.
May he rest in peace.
Carlos and Kelly
I am so sorry to see Don’s passing. He stopped to see me about 4 weeks ago and we had a great visit. He was my favorite car rental delivery guy. He always had a big hug and smile when I saw him. We talked about his grandson that lived with him and he was so proud of him. I loved his blue Dodge Ram truck, always shiny and clean. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. There isn’t a nicer guy than Don. Rest in Peace Don. I will cherish the memories.
Ray and LaDonna, I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend for over fifty years. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grieving.
Don was a big part of my daughter Skyla. The were coffee buddies for many years. Some days I didn’t know which kid was worse, him or my 3. He was always so full of life. And he was so much fun. He always talked about the grandkids. I had to laugh when he use to buy quarters from my kids to give to his youngest grandson so he would do stuff. Don taught Skyla so much over the years and he will always be in her heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sorry to hear of Dons passing. His jovial personality and infectious laugh will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends left behind.
Don was my father-in-law since October of 2018 but I first met him at his grandson Luke’s baseball game in the summer of 2017. From that moment I knew Don was a great guy. He always made me feel welcome in his family and family was the most important thing in the world to him. I am grateful for his acceptance and blessing to LaDonna and I’s relationship and marriage. He was a marvelous father to her and I am honored that he considered me worthy to marry his girl and be part of his grandkids lives. I’ve never known anyone more proud of each and every one of their grandkids as Don. He was He had a great sense of humor and I appreciated his forthright honesty. He will be sorely missed and I feel very blessed that although our time together was short it was meaningful. Rest in Peace Don
My heart goes out to your family Uncle Donald. So many good memories growing up. Love you and will miss you. Forever in our hearts RIP.
This breaks my heart! The flood gates have sprung open and I am bombarded by memories of slumber parties @ your childhood home. Coming from a single parent home & never knowing my biological dad, I gravitated toward your place. The family dynamics were Utopic! I enjoyed how your parents would “flash mob” or mimic us trying to master the latest Michael Jackson dance moves. I also marveled over how your dad would patiently welcome us into his “man cave” (garage), teaching about tools & his latest finds/projects. Finally, your’s was the first nuclear family to demonstrate the perks of a sit down family meal at the dining room table. Your’s is a rich legacy! You won the parent jackpot! God bless you all for treating everyone like extended family! Sending love, sympathies, & prayers!!!
Ray, LaDonna and family. We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Don has been a great friend to Bob for many years now and his friendship and sense of humor will be greatly missed. May you find the strength and comfort you need now at this difficult time.
R.I.P. Don
I will miss you my friend !
Ray,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly sad time. I wish you and your family peace.
Ray, LaDonna and family, Debbie and I are very saddened to hear about Don’s passing. He was a great friend of many years and the couple of years we got to work together he brightened everyone’s day. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He will always be in our hearts, Rest In Peace, Buddy.
Ray and LaDonna, I am very sorry to hear about your dads passing. Whenever I would see Don he would have a smile on his face. I would love to joke with him about having a radio on his bike. He would laugh and joke right back. He was a great friend to my dad and will be truly missed. I will be praying for your family during this very difficult time.
I was stunned when I heard. Don was a friend one you could count on. I worked with Don on a truck for many years I saw and heard how much Ray and Ladonna meant to him and so much love for his grandkids. Don you will be so missed.iam so sorry Ray and Ladonna
So sorry to hear.
Ray, Connie and family,
My deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Sorry to hear of Dons passing. Even though it was called work we always had a good time while working together all those years. And the get togethers after work. He will be missed. But great memories will not be forgotten.
So sorry for your loss
LL
We are so so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed, especially at our morning breakfasts at Krohls. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
A friend/A true friend
Ray and LaDonna, so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. The years I rented the basement you all became like family to me, to always be cherished.
Ray and LaDonna, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He always made me laugh with his one liners and stories. He was such a positive person. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and pare with you and your families.
Ray and LaDonna sorry for your loss. Don always had a smile and would love to tease. Don worked with my late husband, George. He went b4 Don. I’m sure they are having a Great reunion. Prayers go out to the family.
Sad to hear of Don’s passing.
. Take comfort in the memories you shared and knowing that he is with Darlene again
. Sharing in your Sorrow.
Dear Ray & LaDonna & family,
So sorry to hear of you dads’ passing. When we first looked at the picture you posted, we expected him to say something funny. Such a nice guy always. Jack worked with him for 34 wonderful years in several different capacities, Don was always a joy for him to work with. You were blessed to have this special guy for your dad. The memories you have will surely keep him in your hearts & in the hearts of your children & grandchildren forever. Know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers as you bid your final good-byes on earth to your dad.
Ray & Connie, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of Don. He will surely be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jim & Lisa McEvers
So sorry LaDonna, Nate, Nick and Lucas for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences to Don’s Family
Ray, LaDonna an families. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We just saw him and brother Jerry at my Dad(Cliffs)funeral in January. It was nice to visit with him. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this time✝️