Donald Sheldon

Donald LaMoure Sheldon, 87, of Fargo died on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 of complications from a fall in his home January 6, 2010. He is now resting peacefully after brief stays at MeritCare Hospital and Bethany Homes, Fargo. Donald Sheldon was born September 24, 1922 in Washburn, N.D., to Roy and Emma (Osland) Sheldon. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1940 and married Lois Ellen Jefferis on September 20, 1942 at Washburn Methodist Church. Don attended NDSU, enrolled in Advanced ROTC, and entered the U.S. Army in 1943. He served with the 97th Infantry Division in Europe and occupied Japan during World War II, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Washburn, N.D. where he farmed for twelve years. After a farm house fire the family moved to Mayville, N.D. where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree at Mayville State University in 1961. He taught math at Portland and Mayville High Schools before moving to Fargo in 1963. Don taught at Fargo Central for two years then at Fargo North High School until his retirement in 1984. He received a Master’s Degree from North Dakota State University in 1968. Don was a member of the American Legion for 64 years. He was the Post 12 Commander in Washburn, N.D. and served on the Fargo Post 2 Color Guard conducting funeral honors for military veterans for many years. Don and his wife Lois volunteered at the American Legion Toy Shop and other American Legion and Veteran’s Hospital programs. He was a member of the Fargo Elks, the Eastgate Lodge of Mason’s and was a Mobil Noble in the El Zagal Shrine, working on charitable programs. He is survived by his children: Judith Ann “Jan” Hatfield, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Jeffrey Donald (Dorothy Aasen) Sheldon, Regent, N.D., Donna Louise (David) Rice, Fargo, N.D.; son-in-law: Stephen (Terri) McLean, Fargo, N.D.; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ray (Edie) Sheldon and Dorothy (Phil) Schultz, both of Washburn, N.D. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Lois Ellen Sheldon (Jefferis); daughter: Susan Jane McLean; and granddaughter: Jaclyn Sheldon. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley. Memorial Service and Interment (Riverview Cemetery) will be held at a later date in Washburn, N.D.