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Donavan "Don"
E. Grilley • 1921- 2006
Donavan "Don" E. Grilley, 85, Minot, formerly
of Deering, died Sunday, September 10, 2006 in a Minot nursing
home.
Donavan was born on June 5, 1921 the son of Lester William and
Nell (Emmons) Grilley at the George Switzer farm in Grilley Township,
McHenry County, ND. The family moved west of Deering, ND when
Don was four years old. He attended all his school years in the
Thursby Butte Special School District, Deering. He attended Minot
State College following graduation for one year.
Don farmed with his father, Lester, and brother, George for over
fifty years in the Deering area. He retired due to ill health
at the age of sixty. The three of them had restored antique machinery
and implements since the early 1950's.
Don married Elise June (Bitter) on June 10, 1943 at her parents
home, William and Frances Bitter, in Carpio, ND. After a long
illness, June passed away October 11, 1980. In June of 1981,
Don married Florence (Johnson) Traiser. They resided in Minot.
On April 23, 2003, Don fell at his shop in Deering, and due to
paralysis, had lived at Manorcare Rehabilitation and Nursing
Center until his death.
Don was a member of the Deering Congregational Church from 1951,
until it's closing in the late 1990's. At that time he joined
the Congregational United Church of Christ in Minot, and remained
a member until his death. From 1960-1980, Don was the mayor of
Deering. During this time, city water and sewer were put in.
At the end of his tenure, the people of the city presented him
with a plaque for his service. Don and George had taken many
of their restored items to the Dale and Martha Hawk Museum and
spent a lot of time there assisting in various projects and working
the annual threshing show. In 1997, the museum honored him at
the spring threshing show for his years of support. He was a
life member of the museum. Music was a very important part of
his life, and his violin went with him everywhere. He played
with "Daryle and the Pioneers" for many years at dances,
nursing homes, and other various celebrations in the area. During
his three plus years at Manorcare, his band came once each month
for an hour of music on birthday celebrations for the residents,
so he could enjoy playing for them. Of all his tractors, the
little International Cub was one of his favorites. In 2003, it
was chosen Best Restored Unit in the parade at Park River Threshing
Show. He received a plaque and the tractor was featured on the
following year's admission buttons.
He is survived by: Wife: Florence Grilley and the Traiser
family, Minot; daughter Rosalie Nadine (Ernest) Malnaa, Minot;
Two grandchildren: Lester (Taryce) Malnaa and their children,
Elizabeth, Alex and Patrick Donavan; Lora (Scott) Peterson and
their children, Shad and Hannah; sisters-in-law, Frances Grilley
and Norma Bitter-Johnson, both of Minot
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elsie June in
1980, brother George Norris in 2003, brother in law Ray Johnson
and brother in law and sister in law Olaf and Irma (Bitter) Omoth.
Officiants: Rev. Ed Zurn, Chaplain Donald Andrews,
Trinity Health
Eulogist: Dr. Warren G. Allen
Music: Congregational hymn, "Here I Am Lord"
Marie Hagen-Bourquin to offer:
"What a Friend We Have In Jesus"
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"River in Judea"
Congregational hymn, "Rock of Ages"
Nadine Holmly, pianist
Honorary Bearers: "Daryle and the Pioneers"
and the Friends and Board members of the Hawk Museum.
Active Bearers: Darwin Fedorowich, Lowell Johnson,
Jim Haskins, Melvin Grilley, Brian Johnson Tom Burtch
Final Resting Place: Violinist, Lynne Rumney to offer
Amazing Grace
Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
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for Donavan
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