Don Decosse

DONALD JEROME DeCOSSE Donald Jerome DeCosse went home to be with his Lord on November 24, 2010 at the age of 92. Don was born on June 5, 1918, in Bismark, North Dakota, to Edmund E. and Gertrude (Anderson) DeCosse. Don was the eldest of five boys growing up in Valley City, North Dakota. The family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, when he was a teenager. He graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul in 1939. On November 22, 1941, Don married #8220;his sweetie#8221; Veronica Coleman in St. Paul. They were married for 60 years before she joined the Lord on February 3, 2002. Don was a highly decorated pilot serving in the United States Air Force during World War II. As a C-46 pilot, he flew in excess of 65 missions over the infamous Himalayan Mountains between India and China and to other combat zones. As a #8220;Hump Pilot,#8221; he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. On two occasions he received the Distinguished Air Medal. Among his other honors were the United States Air Medal, a Chinese Air Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. It was 1946, shortly after the conclusion of World War II, Don and Veronica established Gallatin Valley Furniture at 303 East Main Street. In 1950 Don#8217;s father Edmund joined the business. This four-generation family business has provided quality service to the Gallatin Valley area for over 64 years. Don was an active member of Holy Rosary Parish, Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, past president of the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Jaycees, and Bozeman Investment Group. Don is survived by his four children: Deanna and her husband, Larry Skillestad, of Spokane, Washington; Cheryl and her husband, Mike Smith, of Bozeman; Jim DeCosse, of Bozeman; Michelle and her husband, Dennis Cattin, of Bozeman; his twelve grandchildren: Craig (Kelly) Skillestad, Curtis (Kelly) Skillestad, Lori (Corey) Pressman, Kevin (Karly) Skillestad, Jennifer (Mike) Thompson, Kenneth (Dawn) Smith, David Smith, Mindy DeCosse, Gina DeCosse, Paul Cattin, Brian (Colleen) Cattin, and Greg Cattin; his twenty great grandchildren: Ashley, Abby, Sophia, Sam, Stella, Amelia, Margot, Callum, Quinn, Andrew, Lauren, Jacob, Haleigh, Peyton, Katherine, Jessica, Olivia, Ava, and Andrew; his brother Cyrille DeCosse; his sisters-in-law Paula DeCosse and Sheila DeCosse; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Veronica; his parents, Gertrude and Edmund DeCosse; and his brothers Gerald, Eugene, and Jerome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Bozeman Deaconess Foundation--ICU. The family wishes to thank Bozeman Deaconess Hospital ICU, Dr. Anders V. Persson, Hospice of Southwestern Montana, Cottonwood Case Management, all of the medical personnel who provided Don care and comfort, and all family and friends who provided their prayers, encouragement, and support.