Donald Eugene Loveland, 78, Minot died on Saturday December 1, 2007 in a Minot hospital from an apparent heart attack earlier that day in his residence.

Don was born on May 16, 1929 in Minto, North Dakota to Edward and Helen Regina (Plutowski) Loveland. He was raised in Minto and, following the death of his mother, the family moved to California. The family returned to ND in 1946 and resided at Wilton where his father owned and operated the grain elevator. Don graduated from Wilton High School. Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps from September 6, 1945 until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant on August 12, 1948. Following his discharge, Don took advantage of the GI Bill and attended North Dakota State University - Fargo. He was called back into military service on November 7, 1950 and received his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant on August 18, 1951. He returned to NDSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in math education in 1953.

Don married Alvina Bertsch on October 28, 1961 in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he was owner-operator of Midwest Farm Equipment for more than 25 years. Following the sale of that business he established the first NAPA Auto Parts Store in Minot and prior to retirement he was an agricultural equipment salesman for Defoort Distributing and Rockomatic where he also served as manager. He retired in 2001 after working for the Minot Commission on Aging Meals on Wheels program for several years.

Don was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and a 4th Degree member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #4894. He served on the School board of Bishop Ryan High School and was a past president and member of the ND Implement Dealers Association and North Hill Merchants Association and member of the Massey Ferguson U.S. Dealer Council. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the VFW and American Legion. Don was an avid reader, enjoyed following the weather, enjoyed music and cooking outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Don's loving family includes his wife of 46 years Alvina, children: Cary (Becky) Loveland of Lompoc CA, Sheryl Loveland of Minot, Shelley (Rick) Brown of Oklahoma City OK and Holly (Randy) Bartsch of Minot; grandchildren: Nadine and Courtney Loveland and Derek and Megan Bartsch; sisters in law: Vetta Loveland, Eva Smathers, and Theresa Iverson as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Harold and Ed, and sisters-in-law: Leona Damm Burns, Adeline Kerzman, Viola Kerzman Krukenberg and Ruth Loveland.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Leo's Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials: are preferred to St. Leo's Catholic Church.