Don Lemnus, age 88, died Friday September 27 at The Village at Belmar in Lakewood, CO surrounded by his loving family. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 26 at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Valley City. Visitation will be from 5:00-6:00 pm with a prayer vigil at 6:00 PM Friday, October 25 at the church.

Donald Eugene Lemnus was born March 11, 1936, in Sheldon, ND, the son of Arthur and Mildred (Pederson) Lemnus. He grew up in the Sheldon area, later moving and graduating from Enderlin High School in 1954. He continued his education at Valley City Teachers College, graduating in 1958. Don accepted his first teaching and coaching position at Napoleon High School. He married Mary Jane Regner in 1961 after which they moved to Fargo where Don completed his Master’s degree from North Dakota State University in 1962 and was then hired at Valley City State as a professor of Physical Education and also coached wrestling, football and baseball.

In addition to his coaching and teaching positions, Don was an active referee for many high school sports and was very proud of his referee accomplishments. In 1984, Don and Jane moved to Dickinson, ND accepting the Chair of Physical Education at Dickinson State in addition to coaching cross country and later served as the Athletic Director. Don retired in 1997 and moved back to Valley City spending summers at the cabin on Lake Ashtabula and winters in Mesa, AZ.

Don was fondly known by many as “Coach”. His passion for sports and his athletes was a special gift. His enthusiasm as a coach and dad cheering on his teams and later his children and grandchildren is a trait that will be forever remembered by many. Don had a deep love for his friends and family. Spending winters in Arizona, he was able to enjoy his retirement to the fullest. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the golf course with his friends. He enjoyed driving his golf cart through the retirement park in Arizona and waving at anyone who passed. He considered everyone his friend.

While Don persevered through many health issues, he had a will to live that was remarkable. Bring a dog near grandpa, and that dog would surely be his new best friend. His kind soul was felt by many. Children brought him such joy and we are blessed he was able to spend his last month’s enjoying his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by: wife Mary Jane Lemnus, his children, Patty Gleason, Deb Horner, Susie (John) Morgan and Bob (Roberta) Lemnus; 14 grandchildren: Annie (Alec) Szuch, Amanda (Wes) Buntin, Ashley Smith, Ben (Taylor) Horner, Nick (Ashley) Horner, Steven (Abbi) Horner, Mike (Emilee) Morgan, Sarah Morgan, Janelle Morgan, Mark Morgan, Rylan Morgan, Jackson (Lacie) Lemnus, Abby Lemnus and Natalie Lemnus, and 8 great grandchildren: Scarlett Horner, Alexis and Rowan Horner, Parker and Carter Smith, Sophie, Mason and Bailey Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ethel (Kenny) Wallner and Delores (Jack) Card, brother Merle Lemnus (Mary) and son-in-law Pat Horner.

“In addition to a guestbook, the family is putting together an audio keepsake for Don that contains stories and messages from family and friends to celebrate Don’s life. Please share a quality, trait, or talent of Don that you admire, a favorite story or memory, or what you think makes Don uniquely special. To leave your special message for Don and his family, please call 1-800-437-3009 and enter invitation number 93036 when prompted.”

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, ND.  An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com