DONALD BARTHEL obituary

Donald M. "Donnie" Barthel, 70, of Glendive died Saturday, April 23, 2005, at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Okla.

A Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with the Rev. Joseph Ponessa officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive.

Donnie was born on Nov. 6, 1934, in Golva, N.D., the son of Anton "Tonie" and Catherine (Dietz) Barthel. He was raised near Golva and briefly attended school in Golva. Donnie moved with his family to a farm about five miles west of Wibaux. He received his education in Wibaux schools and graduated from Wibaux High School with the class of 1955.

Following graduation, Donnie worked a variety of jobs, including deputy sheriff in Wibaux, car salesman, tax appraiser and heavy equipment operator, and in airplane fabrication. Donnie settled in the Glendive area where he again worked construction and worked for the Dawson County Road Department. Donnie met Betty Buxbaum, and his first words were, "Girl, where have you been all my life?" They were united in marriage on Aug. 9, 1958, in Glendive. Beginning in 1963, they resided west of Glendive.

Donnie became employed by Montana Dakota Utilities in April of 1966. He remained with M.D.U. for 23 years, working as a welder for many of those years and retiring as gas distribution foreman in 1989. After retirement, Donnie enjoyed meeting his coffee buddies.

Donnie was very proud of his children and loved spending quality time with his family. He was always excited with new projects. Donnie was a very compassionate person who enjoyed helping others, including distributing communion to the homebound. In 1992 Donnie was voted the Neighbor of the Year for his hard work and dedication. Donnie enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and spending time with family at Fort Peck. He also enjoyed playing cards and dancing with family and friends.

Donnie was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Dawson Investment Club.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Glendive; sons, Michael (Sheila) Barthel of Havre, Craig (Sheila) Barthel of Billings, and Jonathan (Kara) Barthel of Glendive; daughters, LaRae (Ray) Semingson of Glendive, and Laurie (Tom) Feist of Missoula; siblings, Helen Casey of Glendive, Christine Finneman of Golva, Laurence Barthel of Glendive, Ray (Audr) Barthel of Wibaux, Dorothy Finneman of Miles City, Mary Ann (Ray) Marman of Glendive, Leona (John) Jacobs of Big Timber, and Lillian (Bob) Patterson of Glendive; seven granddaughters, three grandsons and one great- grandson.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.