Donald C. Papachek

Donald C. “Donny” Papachek, 73 of Moorhead, MN passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Essentia Health in Fargo ND.

The family welcomes Donny’s friends and relatives to a graveside service on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Warwick Cemetery, rural Warwick. Condolences may be expressed at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com or sent to the Papachek Family P.O. Box 632 Devils Lake ND 58301. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. 

Donald Casper Papachek was born on February 25, 1947 in Devils Lake ND the son of Stanley “Gene” and Laura (Casper) Papachek. He grew up in the Warwick area, attended Warwick Public School and graduated from Warwick High School with the class of 1964. 

Donny proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army, entering the service on April 6, 1967. He was stationed for a time in Saigon and was honorably discharged from active duty on April 4, 1969 and continued in the reserves until 1973. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was the recipient of several commendations including the Vietnam Service Medal.

Donald was married to Karen Schepp in 1969 and they were the proud parents of a son Joe. The family established their home in Devils Lake through the years. Donny worked many years at United Auto Parts.  He also was a member of the American Legion and Eagles Lodge.

In May of 1983, Donald was united in marriage to Carol Locken at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. They later moved the family to Fargo where they welcomed their son Dean.  He worked for a time at Jordan Millwork.  Later, he worked for his nephew, Loren in his construction and remodeling business.  Don enjoyed working with him for several years. He moved to Moorhead MN where he resided until his death.  For the past two months, Don had lived at the Arbor Park Assisted Living Facility in Moorhead.  He was grateful for the good care and the opportunity to meet and make new friends.  Don appreciated the kindness shown to him by family and friends.

In his younger years, Don enjoyed fishing, the outdoors and always had a faithful canine companion. During the last several years, he bonded with a gentle yellow lab.  Don was always the optimistic, never give up fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins and was part of “The Herd” fan club for Bison football. 

Don will be missed by his loving family which includes his sons Joe (Lora) Papachek, St. Michael ND and Dean Papachek, Moorhead MN; grandchildren Kaitlyn (Dillin) Tufte and Kelsey Papachek, Kaileigh Papachek; great grandchild Elaina Jo Tufte; sister-in-law Bonnie Papachek, Hamar ND; Dean’s mother Carol Locken, her brother John Reavis, sons Scott Locken and Christopher Locken and family; a niece, three nephews and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe’s mother Karen Papachek, sister and brother-in-law Lorene and Ronald Waldo, brother Myron Papachek and nephew Jim Papachek.