Donald Dale Thorkelson

Donald Dale Thorkelson, 76, of Manhattan, MT passed away suddenly on March 6th, 2017. Don was born in Montevideo, MN on September 28th, 1940 to parents Endre and Teckla Thorkelson. He was raised on a farm near Maynard, MN alongside his many siblings. After his graduation from Maynard High School, Don enlisted in the Air Force. He faithfully served his country for eight years, including time spent overseas in both England and Germany. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Sharon, and together they had two beautiful girls: Shirley and Pam. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Don worked as a Mail Carrier in Great Falls for eleven years. Later, he worked in Labor Relations for the Civil Service DOD at Malmstrom AFB.

Don enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and going for walks with his canine companions - he had a general love of the great outdoors. He had a private pilot’s license in his younger days and enjoyed flying, was a member of the American Legion, and was a Past Master for the Great Falls Masonic Lodge #118.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter Shirley (Laine) McNeil and granddaughters Sarah and Kristin Galanti of Bozeman, MT; daughter Pam (Shane) Lind of North Las Vegas, NV; twin brother Ronald (Kaye) Thorkelson of Granite Falls, MN; sister Judy Thorkelson of Minneapolis, MN; sister Cheryle (David) Reinertsen of Duluth, MN; brother Paul Thorkelson of Windom, MN; and sister Laurie Thorkelson of Eagan, MN.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 13, 2017 at the River Church next to Dahl Funeral Chapel in Bozeman MT, at 4 PM. A potluck reception to follow upstairs after services.