Donald J. Eid, 89, Gary, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN.
Donald Jerome Eid was born on March 24, 1932, in Fertile, MN to Anton and Lena (Duckstad) Eid. He was baptized and confirmed at Sundal Lutheran Church. Donald attended Golden Willow Country School in rural Gary, MN, and graduated from Gary High School in 1950. Donald enlisted in the US Army in 1954 where he served as a combat engineer and received top awards for being a sharpshooter. Donald was stationed in Germany for over 18 months; the remainder of his service was stateside. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956.
Donald started working on his family’s farm as a young boy. He started cultivating fields with horses (not tractors) at a very young age. Donald helped his mother and father with the family strawberry farm as well. He often recalled a special day in 1950 when he and his sister Diana picked over 500 quarts of strawberries to sell to nearby stores.
Donald had a strong work ethic and loved tending to the fields, mowing lawns, and cutting wood. Upon the passing of his mother and father, Donald took over the farm and all that goes with it. He was a good housekeeper, cook, and baker. He was an avid gardener and was known for raising hundreds of potatoes and pumpkins.
Donald is survived by his sister, Luella Digerness of Moorhead; nephews, Keith (Mary) Gohdes of Mapleton, ND, Rev. Stephen (Heidi) Gohdes of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Wade Digerness of Moorhead; nieces, Kathleen Gohdes of Pelican Rapids, MN, Melanie Fransen of Shorewood, MN, Denise (Joe) Huebsch of St. Cloud, MN, and Michelle (Todd) Christiansen of Sartell, MN; and many great and great-great nephews and nieces.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sylvia Gohdes and Diana Olson; and two young brothers who passed during infancy and childhood.
Donald recently moved to the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile to receive the care he needed these past few months. Donald passed away surrounded by friends and the loving staff of Fair Meadow.
A special thanks to the friends and family of Donald who have been so supportive, helpful, and caring over the years.
Memorials are preferred to Sundal Lutheran Church and cemetery fund, Gary Legion Post #505, and the Gary Lions Club.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, June 24, 2022, at Sundal Lutheran Church, Gary, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral service at the church.
Interment with full military rites: Sundal Lutheran Cemetery, Gary, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
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