Donald E. Aune

Donald Eugene Aune entered his heavenly home on Oct 10th, 2020 after a short stay at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Donald was born on Dec 20th, 1923 to parents Bennie and Tilda (Bakken) Aune. Donald grew up in the Silvesta Township where he attended school, and later met his future wife, Lenore, while she was teaching in that same township. Although Lenore only taught school there for one year before moving to teach in Auburn and Langdon, Donald continued to see Lenore and the two were married on June 10th, 1945 in Fairdale, ND.

Although times did not start out plentiful for the couple, they worked hard to establish a farmstead near Fairdale, ND and built a house on the land they purchased in 1947. It took Donald 3 years to build their home, spending the winters, before the home was ready, in an old cook car from the threshing days. After their home was    finished, they built up their farmstead, where Donald continued to farm with his son, Bradley, until well into his golden years. They planted acres of trees around the farmstead, with one special black walnut tree planted in the yard by Lenore that the family cherished for many years. Donald and Lenore welcomed their son Steve, in 1953, Bradley, in 1960, and finally their daughter Brenda, in 1962.

Donald was very involved in the community he grew up in. He served as a clerk of the Silvesta School for many years, a Deacon at Hitterdal Church, a board member of the Cenex Oil Trade in Fairdale, a chairman of the Walsh County Township Association, and President of the Walsh County Farmers Union. In between community involvement, raising their kids, and working on the farm, Donald and Lenore enjoyed traveling the country, and even spent time visiting their ancestors homeland in Norway, fishing in Alaska, and exploring in Cuba. Once their children had grown, they began spending their winters in Arizona and cherished the sunshine and friends they made in their community there. They continued to winter there until Lenore’s death in 2002, after 57 years of marriage. The same year that Lenore died, the black walnut tree she had planted over 50 years earlier also died. Donald saved the wood from the tree, and as a way to keep her memory alive, began making clocks and pens from the wood for himself and his family. This sparked a passion for woodworking, a hobby he enjoyed into his later life.

After some time, Donald decided to continue his winters in Arizona, where he later met Mary Melander, of Hunter, ND. The two found a chance at companionship in their later years, and married September 10, 2005. The couple settled into Hunter, ND, and continued to enjoy their time in Arizona, with Donald being able to spend even his last winter in the warmth and sunshine. Donald spent his last years with a busy social calendar, staying active with the church, and spending time with many friends and family, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lenore, sister Mae, brother Mortimer, daughter-in-law Karla Belford, granddaughter Stephanie. He is survived by his wife, Mary Melander, sister Beatrice Grove, sons Steven and Bradley (Sue Slivicki), daughter Brenda (Greg) Dufault, grandchildren Melissa Jelinek, Stacy Aune, Patrick Aune, Austin Aune, Brittany Nelson, Bethany Johnson, and Brianna Juve, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous members of his second wife, Mary’s family. Daughters Cynthia (Brian) Udby, Margaret (John) Olson, sons Tim Melander (friend Eli Wilson), Dennis (Pamela) Melander, 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

A private, family service will be held at Mountain Lutheran Church, Adams ND. All are welcome to attend a walk-thru visitation that will be held 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Tollefson Funeral Home in Park River, ND. Interment will be at Hitterdal Cemetery of rural Milton.

A video of the service will be posted to Donald’s obituary on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.