Donald William Stetson, 90

Donald William Stetson passed away July 26, 2018, at home in Kalispell, following an extended illness.

Don was born Nov. 27, 1927, in Hazen, North Dakota, to Irene and Ora Stetson. The family lived in North Dakota on a dairy farm until they moved to Goldendale, Washington. This move was followed by a further move to Kittitas, Washington. After graduation from Kittitas High School in 1945, Don joined the Merchant Marines.

On return from his service, Don attended Central Washington College in Ellensburg, Washington.

On Aug. 12, 1949, Don married Patricia Powers in Ellensburg at the Presbyterian Church. While attending Central Washington, he played basketball and studied education. Their first son Scott Orie was born in August 1950. In 1952, Don and family moved to Los Angeles where he attended California College of Mortuary Science. Following graduation, Don returned to Washington, where he was employed at Thornhill’s Funeral Home in Spokane Valley. He later joined Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Homes in Spokane and the Valley.

Susan and Kirk were born to Don and Pat while in Spokane Valley. Don was a Past Master of the Order of Masons, as well as Past Patron of Eastern Star. He was also a dad advisor to Valley DeMolay group. In addition, he was involved in the community, coaching and playing sports. Don enjoyed working with his hands, building a boat, which became the center of many family outings and camping trips to the Columbia River and many lakes.

In 1969, Don and his family moved to Havre where he became a partner in the Holland-Bonine Funeral Home. His compassion and caring for those he served in his community went with him everywhere and in everything he touched. Don was a devoted husband and father to his family. He coached baseball and attended every game his sons played. His daughter was his special princess. Don was actively involved in the Havre Presbyterian Church and was the Past President of the Havre Rotary Club.

After retiring from the funeral home, he and Pat opened Stetson’s Custom Frame Shop in Havre, serving the community for 11 years.

In 1993, Don and Pat moved to Village Greens in Kalispell where they built their home, golfed and enjoyed retirement with family and friends.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Stetson, of 68 years; his children, Scott Stetson of Red Deer, Alberta, Susan Stetson Johnston (Scot) of Mount Vernon, Washington, and Kirk Stetson (Lori) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and his brother, Lloyd Stetson of San Diego. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shawn Stetson, Mark Stetson, Cara Stetson Reck, Cameron Johnston, Domenic Easton, and Megan Collins-Schaber; and 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Robert and Russ Stetson; his sister, Marge Stetson Eastburn; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Stetson.

The internment service will be held in Ellensburg at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in September.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.