Donovan D. Dyrdal, 78, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2075 Highway 59 South, Thief River Falls, MN.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Don's life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2075 Highway 59 South, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating with visitation one hour prior to the service. The service will be live streamed on Our Saviour's TRF YouTube Channel and also broadcast in the church parking lot on radio station 102.5. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 14376 180 ^th Street NW, Thief River Falls, MN.

Donovan Delbert Dyrdal was born on July 13, 1942 in Thief River Falls, MN, number 4 of 4 children born to Ingebrit and Edith (Benson) Dyrdal.  He was baptized at Norden Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Rindahl Lutheran Church.  He attended grade school at Gopher Mound country school, located near the family farm in Norden Township until 8 ^th grade.  Don attended high school at Lincoln H.S. in Thief River Falls and graduated with the class of 1960.

In 1960 at a chance meeting cleverly arranged by Donnie's sister-in-law, Barb "The Matchmaker" while visiting his brother's family in St. Paul, MN, Donnie met his future bride, Anna "Annie" Knutson who happened to be there visiting family as well. On December 2, 1961, the couple were married at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. They settled in St. Paul where Don worked in commercial laundry services for a short period of time, then got into building construction as a lather, both in St. Paul, MN.  Their son Gregory T. was born in 1962 in St. Paul and in 1963 the family made their home on the Dyrdal Family Farm near Thief River Falls, MN. Their family grew to include three more children; Kathryn A. (1963), John D. (1965) and Kristine M. (1967).

Don was a forward-thinking visionary, always planning for the future.  As a teen, he worked for various farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota earning money to purchase his own farmland.  At the age of 16 Don purchased his first 40 acres south of his parent's land. While living in St. Paul Don and his brother would come back to Thief River Falls on weekends to farm.  In 1963 Don and Ann purchased more land that he had visions of making into crop land.  Don was able to see opportunities where others may have only saw challenges.  The following year Don purchased his parent's farm.  To supplement the farm income until the land was profitable, Don and Ann raised cows and sheep.  During this time they took a shell of a house and made it a home. In addition to farming Don continued to work several full-time jobs for Bill Hoglo, Wedul Truckline, Hartz Foods.  He also thoroughly enjoyed working for Art and Ina Stordahl while employed at Stordahl Trucklines starting in about the mid 60's. First driving truck to the cities at night and later delivering freight locally until he went full-time working on his farm in the early 70's after he had acquired enough land to support his family.  As the farm grew Don also provided full-time and part-time employment for many people over many years.  Don's words were, "Working 40 hours a week will put food on the table and pay the bills but doesn't always create opportunities or build a future."  Don continued his love of farming up until his passing.

Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing and hunting, playing cards, reading, taking pictures, shopping – giving much thought into any gift given, traveling, driving around to look at fields and every implement dealership he went by. Don enjoyed many Sunday visits with the elderly in care centers around the area. Don could and would strike up a conversation with anyone. To Don there were no strangers, only friends he had not met yet. Don lived his life as a Christian and led by example.

Don and Ann attended his parent's church, Norden Lutheran, and later became members of Oak Ridge Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, building committee, and was still serving on the cemetery committee.  Don was currently a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls where he served as a trustee. He also enjoyed serving for fellowship, where he developed many special relationships with his church families.

Survivors include his children, Greg (Dawn), Kathryn and John all of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Sierra (Jake), Michael, Nolan, Danielle (Jake), Christopher & Mickaela; great-grandchildren, Marli, Alejandra, Lionel, Bree, Taylor, and Ainsley; brother, David (Barb); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty, Norman (Coryne), Russell (Ann), Darline (Jim), David (Mary), Richard (Becky), Larry (Karen), Carol (Mike), Nancy (Jim), and Gus; God-children, Jackie, Allison, & Joshua; many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Anna; daughter, Kristine; parents; sister LuAnn (Daryl); infant sister, Edith; sisters-in-law Arla (Rod) and Donna; brothers-in-law, Byron and Ron; nephew, Tim Lewis; niece, Doreen (Dyrdal) Jacobson; God-son, Dean Dimmen; and very dear friend and Godmother, Eleanor Joyce.