DONALD MOE

DONALD MOE Donald Moe, 79, Finley, ND passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2014 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Donald Leroy Moe, Donny, and sometimes “Pastor” Don, was born to Otis and Cora (Forness) Moe on June 29th, 1935 at a farmstead 4 miles east of Finley, ND. His first eight years of school were spent at Golden Lake Center School, close to where he was raised on the farm. He completed his education, obtaining a GED and degree in refrigeration from Moorehead Technical School. On October 1st, 1966 (the first day of duck season--something he never let Creta forget) married Creta Cathleen Hanson and the couple farmed The Moe Farm 7 miles east of Finley for a short time. From there the family moved to Fargo where Don attended school full time (maintaining a 3.5 GPA) with a full time following class hours. In April of 1970, Don and Creta moved with their girls, Michelle Cathleen and Heidii Dawn, to Pierre, SD where he went to work at Montgomery Wards as an appliance repairman, and stood in at least one year, for Santa Claus. Don LOVED Pierre. He thought of this small town as his personal paradise, with hunting and fishing opportunities at every turn. Pheasant, grouse, ducks, geese, deer, antelope, rabbits--and that’s not mentioning the fish. The Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe provided countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. He also took his small family on camping trips, every year--The Tetons, Yellowstone State Park, and seemingly, every campground in South Dakota. In 1979, Don and Creta became business partners with Stan Ruttman of Pierre, opening their own appliance store and repair business, R&M Appliance. Don spent many dusty hours on the rural roads of central and western South Dakota, repairing and delivering appliances of every nature. R&M provided several travel opportunities for Don and Creta--it allowed them some time in Hawaii, The Amana Colonies of Iowa, Williamsburgh, Virginia and many, many trips to Las Vegas and Sioux Falls. After Stan’s death, Don and Creta ran R&M together, with Don as the very apt salesman, and Creta, keeping the books. Both retired from their busy business and moved back to Finley, North Dakota in 2004, where they purchased a home to be close to their North Dakota friends and family. The last several months had been difficult for Don. He spent many days not feeling well,short of breath, and struggling with pain. Despite his rough days, he enjoyed every day with his grandchildren, Lizzie and Alex, greeting them at the door when they came home from school. The family took a trip to The Peace Gardens, spent some time fishing in his most recent boat, and lived it up wildly on The Fourth of July. He enjoyed his summer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis, and Cora, his brother Marcus, and sister-inlaw Alvina. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Creta, and their daughters, Michelle Rooze (Tony Rooze of Fargo), Heidii Moe (Finley), his grandchildren, Travis (Pueblo, CO), Michael (Omaha, NE), and Megan Watada (Fargo), Alexander and Elizabeth Poplick (Finley), great-grandchildren, Kinley and Hadley Watada (Pueblo), and sister, Shirley Alm (Merlin) (Finley). While Don’s physical presence will be missed by all who knew him, his spirit, sense of humor, and big personality will be continue on. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the Finley Lutheran Church, Finley, ND. Visitation will be one hour before services in the Church. Interment will be in the Bethany Cemetery, rural Finley, ND.