Donald Jones

Donald Lee Jones, 75, died Thursday, January 18, 2024 at his home in rural Fergus Falls under the care of Moments Hospice. He was born February 17, 1948 in Fargo, North Dakota to Kenneth K. Jones and Anita (Helgeson) Jones, the youngest of three brothers.

He attended North High in Fargo and was a student there when the dome collapsed because of snow load. After graduating in 1966, he joined the Navy serving on the USS Essex, a carrier from 1968 to 1971. He saw the Mediterranean, the Alps, Norway, and many other ports of call and was proud of his store house management position. After and honorable discharge, he worked at Radford, a mill works company in Fargo, ND. His positions were in the warehouse and then drove delivery truck for many years through out northern Minnesota and North Dakota.

On June 7, 1981, he married Janice Lien in Fergus Falls, living in Fargo. He was a stay-at-home dad after his son was born, and was dedicated to his children and loved them both dearly. He was referred to as "doctor dad", which prompted the question "when was dad a doctor?"

After moving to Fergus Falls in 1992, he worked with individuals with physical and development disabilities in a group home, Arlington Home, owned by Prairie Community Services until his retirement. He was well-loved by both the individuals he supported and by other co-workers. Being a quiet, reliable worker, always wearing a beard he was often referred to as a "Teddy Bear." He was called at home one night because a client wanted to say goodnight to "Papa."

Don was creative in that he would try to figure out a solution to any issue or problem, usually instigated by his wife. He enjoyed working with wood; building, repairing sanding, and refinishing. Being an avid game player; cribbage, backgammon, and other games on the computer, he won a Dreamcast console in 2000 on the internet. He followed football especially the Bison and the Vikings. His other interests were in collecting coins and in observing weather systems through the area Weather Underground reporting stations.

He is survived by his wife, Jan of 43 years; his son and daughter-in-law, Kinkaid and Patience Jones and daughter, Myrantha Jones and partner, Levi Harbor all of Fargo; three brothers, Mike, Gord, and Greg (wife, Jaci) all of Fargo, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com