Donald M. Tisdale

Donald Marvin Tisdale, age 84, of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the Unity Medical Center, Grafton, ND under the care of Altru Hospice.

Donald was born September 2, 1934, at Grafton, ND to Vernon and Verna (Tollifson) Tisdale. He grew up and attended school at St. Thomas; making St. Thomas his home as he started farming at a young age after his father passed away. Donald married Marion Hurtt on October 2, 1954. Marion passed away December 28, 1982. He married Shirley Williams on July 21, 1984. Shirley passed away January 27, 2018. Donald and Marion raised their family on the farm and Donald and Shirley continued living there until their deaths.

Donald was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Thomas. His strong faith was evident through his life’s journey. He treasured the time he spent with his family and many friends. Don was a true farmer working in the field all through his retirement years. He took pride in all he did even in retirement as he collected and refinished antique tractors. Meeting fellow tractor collectors, being outdoors at the farm, working in his shop, and visiting in the St. Thomas café made his life happy.

Donald loved his farm and his family; being a great role model for them.

Donald is survived by his children Wayne (Kris) Tisdale, Mary (Mark) Hartje, Debra (Kenny) Osowski, Lowell (Sandy Meyers) Tisdale, Lon (Dana) Tisdale; stepchildren Paul Therriault and Roger Therriault; 6 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. Gayle (Bob) Brown is his surviving sibling. Donald is preceded in death by his parents; his wives Marion and Shirley; an infant daughter and son; daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Scott Bakke; and stepson John Therriault.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all who helped Donald the last months and days of his life including his dear friends, The St. Thomas café for being his cook, Dr. Midgarden and staff, Unity Medical Center, and Altru Hospice.

Memorials are preferred to St. Thomas City Cemetery or Altru Hospice.