Donovan L. Narverud, 72, longtime Thief River Falls businessman, died on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the services in the church on Wednesday.

Donovan Lea Narverud was born on September 15, 1933 to John A. and Emma (Nelson) Narverud in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls. He attended school and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. He also attended the National Institute of Dry Cleaning in Silver Springs, Maryland.

Don was united in marriage to Carol Bjerken on August 8, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Dons parents started Narverud Cleaners in 1929 and Don and Arnold took over the business in 1964 and continued to operate it as partners until 1979 when Don and Carol purchased it. They have owned and operated it since.

Don enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed his lake place at Upper Red Lake, his home on the river. He appreciated the time he got to spend at the A frame (AKA: the ranch ) at Thorholt. The outdoors drew Don; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He collected Allis Chalmers Tractors and enjoyed reading. He took pleasure in a drive around the countryside with fresh cookies and coffee and visiting with his coffee buddies and telling stories were also a highlight of his day. Don enjoyed canoe trips to the Boundary Waters. He had fun spoiling his dog Lady and taking naps with the cat. He loved and planted many trees and picked many berries. He was always willing to help a friend or stranger in need.

Don was active at Zion Lutheran Church, where he served on boards and committees. He served the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce as President. He also served on boards and committees at Trinity Lutheran Church where he was the congregation President for 7 years. He was on the Board of Directors for Jobs, Inc, was a member of the Jaycees, Curling Club, served as Past President of the Lions and was a 40 year member, and also drove school bus in Thief River Falls for many years. He was also a member of the Pennington County Sportsmans Club, and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Bigbuck donor for many years.

Don is survived by his wife Carol, Thief River Falls, MN; 3 children: Steve (Carmen) Narverud, Thief River Falls, MN; Dan (Bea) Narverud, St. Hilaire, MN; Sally Mumm, Thief River Falls, MN; 5 grandchildren: Brittany, Jonathan, Kaitlyn, Alexandra, & Adriana; 1 sister, Camille DuChamp, Osseo, MN; 1 brother, Arnold (Gladys) Narverud, Thief River Falls, MN; and several nieces and nephews in addition to many close friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Susan, and an infant sister Carole.

Family condolences may be sent www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Deb Wittenberg
SPECIAL MUSIC: Joel & Laura Rude
SELECTIONS: Night of Silence, Silent Night , Shenandoah Lullabye
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry WOV#770, When Peace Like A River LBW#346