Donald Eldon Alexander, 82, of Newell, South Dakota, died at Ft Meade Veterans Hospital on August 24, 2025.
He was born in Sturgis, South Dakota in 1942, to Loyal L. and Enid Alexander. Don began his life on the farm and this is where he started to love rural life. He shared fond memories of going to school at Follete School where he started his schooling and the memory of the blizzard of 1949, where the drifts were 20 feet high and they could walk up a drift to put up the flag up until spring.
He with his parents, older brother Dale, younger sisters Bernita & Betty moved to Lead in 1950.
Soon Don gained another sister, Clarice. Don attended school and along with brother Dale delivered newspapers to stay out of trouble. Each summer he would return to the farm in Vale to help his aunt and uncle Art and Doris Wood. After the death of his Father in 1953, he continued to live in Lead until 1957. The family then moved to his step father Leo Harr’s farm north of Vale. Soon he gained another sister Tweeter (Leona) and youngest brother George.
In 1958 at a skating party, he met the love of his life, Mary Rank but in his own words “This chapter will continue later”.
Don graduated from Vale High School in 1960. He worked various farming jobs and at the Sugar Beet factory in Belle Fourche, until he enlisted in the Army in February of 1961. After his stateside training he took the slow boat to Germany where he was stationed, as a part of the Cold War presence where he attained the rank of Spec. 5 as a member of the Davy Crockett Nuclear Weapons System.
Upon his return from military service in February, 1964, he was re-acquainted with the love of his life, Mary Rank while attending the Valentines Day Dance in Vale SD.
September 10, 1964, a 60-year love story began. Donald and Mary Alexander were married at the Vale Lutheran Church. Four children were born to this union, Douglas, Susan, Tara, and Darren.
Don and Mary went on some memorable anniversary vacations to Hawaii and Alaska. And one crazy family vacation to Canada and numerous family adventures. With rock hunting as a “favorite” activity of all. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year with their family and friends.
He worked various jobs throughout his life as: A jack of all trades. From construction to sewing machine repairman. He served two different terms on the Newell School Board. Volunteered on the Newell Ambulance, after going through the certification classes together with his Mother Enid.
Donald retired from working fulltime and spent the remainder of his life helping his son Darren on the farm. Dad had a strength about him and a unique view on life. He had many health issues but was able to adapt through it all. His life made a full circle returning to farm life where it began.
Donald was a devoted Husband, Father, Father-in-law, and Grandpa. He is survived by his wife Mary of Newell SD; Eldest son Douglas, Red Lodge, MT; daughter Susan (Tracy) Zaugg, Cerulean, KY, grandchildren Alexander and Zachary Kessel, Thomas and Kimberly Zaugg; daughter Tara (Scott) Kadlecek, Hay Springs, NE, grandchildren Thomas, Erin (Austin Anderson), and Spencer; youngest son Darren (Angie), Newell, SD, grandchildren Taylor, Dylan, and Austin.
Thank you to the Ft Meade VA medical center hospice unit. You are all truly angels on earth.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Newell Ambulance Service.
Graveside services were held at the Vale Cemetery, Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.