Donald Gene Minette , 80, Minot and formerly of Fargo died on Thursday, January 31, 2008 in a Bismarck hospital from complications associated with heart surgery.

Don was born on August 28, 1927 in Fargo, ND to Alfred and Della (Wickum) Minette. He was raised and educated in Fargo and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1945. As a young adult he was employed by the Great Northern Railroad prior to entering the U.S. Army in February of 1952. Don received his honorable discharge in February of 1954 and returned to Fargo where he continued his employment with the Great Northern Railroad.

Don married Virginia Paulson on September 15, 1946 in Fargo. They made their home in Fargo and West Fargo prior to moving to Minot in 1968 where he continued his employment with the railroad retiring in 1982 as car foreman. In addition he was also employed by Amtrak as mechanical foreman at the Minot Depot for several years.

Don was a member of the First Lutheran Church - Minot, member and treasurer of the Souris Valley Golf Course Men's Association and a former member of the American Legion and Eagles Aerie. He especially enjoyed softball, golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling, bowling and curling.

His loving family includes his wife of 61 years Virginia; children: Michael Minette of Hayward, CA, Laurie (Dennis) Bense of Bismarck, Darren Minette of Minot and Kathleen Minette of Tucson AZ; grandchildren: Donald (Jocelyn) Minette, Leah Morris and Shay Bense; great grandson: Dorian Minette; sister: Vivian Parsons of Moorhead MN; brothers: James (Janet) Minette of Niceville FL and Kenneth (Claudia) Minette of Peoria, AZ and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service : Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will follow in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation : Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church Radio Ministry or Soup Kitchen or the charity of the donor's choice.