DONALD FUSK obituary

JOPLIN - Donald V. Fusk, 80, of Joplin, died at a Havre hospital on Friday, Jan. 30, 2004.

It was Donald's wish to be cremated. A private family memorial service is being planned.

Donald V. Fusk was born Aug. 15, 1923, to Peter and Olianna (Gotsvosli) Fusk on the family homestead in the Alma community north of Joplin. Donald grew up on the farm and received his early education at the Tingdahl country school. He finished his school years in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in 1942.

Donald enlisted into the U. S. Army and served during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the family farm.

Donald married Audrey Jean Miller at Joplin on June 15, 1952. They made their home on the Fusk farm 27 miles north of Joplin from that time on and raised their family of four. Audrey died of cancer on June 16, 1995. Donald continued to live on the farm and stayed active in the farming operations. He recently developed some serious health problems that required hospital care.

Donald was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Joplin. He was also a member of the Joplin Farmer's Union and the Chester V.F.W. Post #3997.

In his younger days, Donald enjoyed archery and horseback riding. As time went on he developed interests in fishing, woodworking, and playing pool, horseshoes and cribbage. He loved music, especially the old-time, "easy listening" variety. Donald was a very creative person who could fix most anything, so he spent countless hours tinkering in his shop. In the 1970s Donald and Audrey became interested in fossil hunting and attended several hunts with well-known Montana paleontologist Jack Horner. They collected and polished many of the special stones as keepsakes of their memorable hunts.

Donald loved the great outdoors and was content with his role as a Montana farmer and rancher. Even into his senior years, he enjoyed working outside with his cattle or completing the farming tasks. Most of all, he loved his family and always looked forward to their visits.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Harold Fusk; and grandson, Tanor Dees.

Survivors include his son, Leonard Fusk of Columbia Falls; daughters, Christine (Steve) Sapp of Havre, Debbie (Paul) Dees of Havre and Ellie (Bill) Keeley of Havre; daughter-in-law, Sarah Fusk of Chester; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, John Fusk of Joplin and Cliff Fusk of Port Angeles, Wash.; sister, Alice Bilden of Havre; special close friend, Barney Bjornstad of Joplin; and many nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are being made by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.