DONALD J PERSHKE

Donald James Pershke, 61, of Crary, ND passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at his home in rural Crary, ND. Funeral services for Don will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, January 8th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance and Prayer at 7:00 p.m. Donald James, son of Roy James and Mary Jane (Cox) Pershke was born at Mer-cy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND on September 25, 1953. He grew up on the Pershke family farm, rural Crary, along with his six brothers and sisters. He attended school at Crary and graduated from Crary High School with the class of 1971. Don married Dorine Severtson in 1976. They were the proud parents of two daugh-ters, Abby and Christine. They established their home on the farm where Don farmed with his dad for a time and eventually took over the full operation. He re-tired, but continued to make the farm his home until his death. Don was a baptized and confirmed member of the First Lutheran Church of Crary, and served on the Stevens Township Board for many years. Don loved the land and was proud to carry on as a 3rd generation farmer on the Pershke homestead. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially time spent hunting with friends and family. He was “Uncle Don” to many people whether related or not. Most recently, Don took great pride in his new role as “Grandpa.” Don is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Abby and Noah Johnson of Duluth, MN and Christine and Tanner Jorissen of Jamestown, ND; grandchildren Syl-vie Jane Johnson and Tyson Jorissen; mother of their children Dorine Pershke of Fargo, ND; mother Mary Jane Pershke, Devils Lake; sisters and brothers-in-law Carol and Bob Gibson, Laurie and Steve Chepulis, and Brenda and Norman Howard all of Devils Lake; sister-in-law Marilee Hosman, also of Devils Lake; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Roy; brothers Wayne Pershke and Roger Pershke; sister Connie Kluck; nephew Roger Pershke Jr. and sister-in-law Sandra Pershke.