Donovan E. Wright, 89, Mentor, MN, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN.
Donovan Eugene Wright was born January 21, 1934, at the farm of his parents Bernard and Drusilla (McDonald) Wright in Cummings, North Dakota. He would later be joined by siblings Roger and Susan. He was baptized at Caledonia Lutheran Church in Caledonia, North Dakota. He graduated from Caledonia Consolidated High School in 1952, where was active in drama and choir. He was involved in the local 4-H club, serving in the office of president for one year. Amid a snowstorm, Don married his high school sweetheart, Jean A. Stigen, on February 19, 1955.
Don served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was a parts supply specialist for the 515 Transportation Company in support of the U.S. Rangers. After returning to Caledonia, he spent two years in the grain and hardware business. In December of 1960, Don and Jean moved to Minot, North Dakota, where they would remain for 36 years. Don was employed by Frontier Airlines from December 1960 until August 1986. During this period, he was active with the Air Line Employees Association (ALEA) as a local representative, serving as president of the association for one year. After Frontier left Minot, Don was employed by Continental Airlines from November 1986 to October 1993, before joining GP Express Airlines. In 1994, he returned to Frontier Airlines, serving as manager until February 1995, at which time he retired. During his airline career, Don and Jean were afforded the opportunity to travel much of the world and they continued doing so into retirement.
While in Minot, Don and Jean began caring for the children of Fred and Kaye Voeller when they traveled. This led to an incredible bond, such that Don and Jean became part of the family. The relationship continued as Don and Jean considered the Voeller’s youngest, Jane, as their daughter and her three children as their grandchildren. As of July 22, 2023, they have two great-grandchildren, Henry Donovan Saunders (9) and Owen Donovan Mayer (1 week).
During their time in Minot, Don and Jean joined First Lutheran Church, where Don served as a member of the church council and sang in the choir for over 20 years. Don was a member of Elks Lodge #1089 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2376. He was a proud member of the Minot and Fertile Lions clubs from 1969 to 2023, serving in the offices of president, zone chairman, deputy district Governor and regional secretary. Don was a member of the American Legion Post 238 in Fertile, Minnesota, from 2002 until 2023, serving as the chaplain for many years. Don was also a member of the Godfrey Township Board for several years.
Don and Jean retired to their home on Maple Lake in the summer of 1996, where they enjoyed boating, relaxing and spending time with family and friends. They were members of Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church and active in the local community. Over the past few years, friend and retired nurse, Phyllis Pederson, has helped Jean to care for Don. She became a daily presence and the only person he would listen to. Together, Don and Jean moved into Fair Meadow Nursing Home in late 2022.
Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean; “adopted” daughter, Jane Mayer; grandchildren, Thomas (Lisa) Saunders, Benjamin (Raeann) Mayer, and Kathryn Mayer; great-grandchildren, Henry Donovan Saunders and Owen Donovan Mayer; sister, Susan (George) Ackre; sister-in-law, DeVonne Wright; nieces and nephews, Kari (Rocky) Nettum, Nathan (Kathy) Wright, Jennifer (Ron) Piper, Shawn (Natalie) Ackre, Darin Ackre, and Melissa Ackre; and many great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Drusilla Wright; brother, Roger Wright; and nephew, Robert Wright.
Funeral: 10:30 AM on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church, Maple Bay, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.
Interment with full military rites: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
