Don Luchsinger, 61, Minot, with family by his side, went to his eternal home on April 9, 2012.

Donald C. Luchsinger was born December 5, 1950, in Minot to Earl and Ruth (Witham) Luchsinger. He was raised in Surrey, N.D., and graduated from Surrey High School in 1969. He was drafted and served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, first in the Seventh Calvary and later in the Fifth Mechanized Brigade. He was honorably discharged in October 1971.

He married Lois Klein in Minot on Oct. 27, 1972. They lived in Salem, Ore., where he was employed in the construction industry. Their daughter, Amanda, was born in 1979. In 1985 they returned to North Dakota. He farmed in the Surrey area until 2003, when he retired due to health restrictions resulting from his episodes with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer.

Don had a strong work ethic, taking pride in his farm operation and in keeping his equipment in top-notch form. He was patient and handy with a wrench and enjoyed finding, buying and repairing motorcycles and vehicles in his shop. He was a resourceful do-it-yourself man at home and was always willing to lend a hand to friends and family. Whatever the task at hand, he remained focused until the job was complete and done right. He also was known to barter, such as trading someone his mechanical skills for a favor to him in return. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures, including visiting with friends and family or just enjoying a summer evening on the deck sipping a cold drink. He also loved travelling, especially on his bikes, venturing across country several times through the years, including trips to rallies in Sturgis, S.D., and Tennessee.

Despite his health issues, Don remained exuberant about life. In October 2009, he survived a debilitating brain hemorrhage. Since then, true to form, he put his determination to work and had been on a long road to recovery. His good nature continued, including his comic one-liners, and he still enjoyed outings and time with friends and family. He always had a bright smile for everyone he knew. Don will sincerely be missed by family who loved him dearly, and anyone lucky enough to call him their friend.

Don is survived by: His wife, Lois; daughter, Amanda (Bruce) Johnson; sisters, Marilyn Butler, Salem, Ore., and Leone Brusven, Minot; brothers, Curtis (Jill), Minot, Burton, Great Falls, Mont., Milton (DeAnna), San Antonio, Texas, and Ken, Glen Ullin, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul; sister-in-law, Beverly Luchsinger; and brothers-in-law, Dale Brusven and Milt Butler

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Family service: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2012 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND
Visitation: Friday, April 13, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Minot Disabled American Veterans (DAV).