Donald “Don” Richard Albertson, 90, of Churchs Ferry, ND, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Eventide Heartland Care Center in Devils Lake, ND with his sister by his side. Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Connie Monson officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.
Don was born to Richard and Florence (Graham) Albertson Sept. 23, 1932, in Minot, ND. Don attended school in York for 3 years, then ½ year in a rural country school before attending Metcalf until the 8th grade. Don attended Cando High where he was the center for Cando Cubs Basketball team. After graduation he moved to Wahpeton State School of Science for 2 years graduating with a degree in Auto Body Repair.
Don Albertson married Darlene Israel Oct. 15, 1955, in Cando, ND. They were married for 66 years. Don worked at the Ford Garage in Cando before moving to Blythe, California in 1957 where he was foreman at an Auto Collision and Repair Body Shop. While in California he was a member of the Jaycee’s, participating in several river cruises.
The family moved back to North Dakota in 1966, buying a farm in Churchs Ferry. Don was a member of the Fort Totten Trail Riders, participating in the 100-mile Pony Express Centennial Ride from Ft. Totten (Tokyo) to Ft. Stevenson (Garrison Dam) in 1997. Don was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Welcome Lodge 54, serving as master of the Lodge 3 times, receiving his 50-year pin in 2018 and continuing his service until his passing in 2023. Don was a member of the Lake Region Shrine Club and Lake Region Shrine Flag Corps. He was also a longtime member of the Kem Temple Shrine Temple of Grand Forks. Don was recognized and awarded as one of the outstanding Shrine members of the organization.
Don is survived by his daughter, Lori Collins; sister Darlyne Mocklow; Grandsons Codey (Julie) Martindale and Jason (fiancé Niki Redman) Martindale; Great Grandsons Xaviar and Julian Martindale. Don was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Florence Albertson; wife Darlene Albertson; Son Blaine Albertson, half-brother Orville Albertson; half-sister Sadie Albertson and Brother-in-Law Leonard Mocklow.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Welcome Lodge 54, 6326 Hwy 281, Churchs Ferry, North Dakota, 58325.
