Donald Laursen, 88 of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston, MN with his loving family by his side.

Donald Laursen was born on August 19, 1934 at St. Michael's Hospital, Grand Forks, ND, son of Carl and Gladys (Spoor) Laursen. He was baptized at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND and confirmed at Manvel-Middle Grove Lutheran Church, Manvel, ND.

He attended grades 1-3 at Faulkner Township School, Grand Forks, ND, grades 4-8 at Ferry #9 School, Manvel, ND, high school grades 9-11 at Manvel High School, Manvel, ND, and graduated in 1953 from Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, MN.

Donald enlisted in the US Army, volunteering for the draft on November 20, 1953. His Basic Training was at Fort Riley, KS and then he deployed to Korea. He was honorably discharged on September 26, 1955.

On December 6, 1958 he married the love of his life, Elaine Geske, and to this union two children were born Dale & Cindy.

Donald's career started in Auto Sales and a Service Manager for Thibert Chevrolet, Red Lake Falls, MN, and for 20 years he was an over the road truck driver for North Star & Overbye Trucking until retiring in 2011. He retired from trucking at the age of 77 years when medical induced Parkinson's forced him into retirement. His trucking led Don and Elaine to life-long friendships with Ed and Becky Dunham, Jim and June Gjovik, and Maynard and Rosie Wedul.

In earlier years he enjoyed camping trips and later years watching NASCAR, and favorite TV shows such as Gunsmoke and Mash. Don always enjoyed having a dog and through his illness his Norwegian Elkhound, Leta, was by his side.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, American Legion & VFW of Thief River Falls, MN.

Donald entered Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN on June 7, 2022 under the care of Hospice. Their care was exceptional!

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine who cared for him throughout his illness, Thief River Falls, MN; his son, Dale Laursen, Piedmont, OK, and his daughter Cindy (Dan) Glandorf, Williamsburg, IA; grandchildren, Heather (Johnny) Lane, Manhatten, KS, Matthew (Mackenzie) Laursen, Clovis, New Mexico, Aaron Laursen, Germany, Nate Glandorf, Williamburg, IA; great grandchildren, Bella Lane, Cambri Lane, Reece Lane, Jackson Lane, Micah Laursen, Maddox Laursen; sister, Betty Braaten, Grand Forks, ND; brother-in-law, Leonard (Marge) Geske of Thief River Falls; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother-in-law, Kenneth Braaten; father and mother-in-law, John and Edna Geske; brothers-in-law, Harold (Agnes) Geske, Arnold (Linda) Geske; and nephew, Brian Geske.

The service to celebrate Donald's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with Rev. Thomas Puffe and Rev. Jeff Geske officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 1:30 PM Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793, Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders.