He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 16, 1935. Don graduated from Cleveland High School and received his Bachelor of Science from Portland State University. He also received a Juris Doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School.
He was married to Bobbi on July 8, 1967. Don had a career in law.
He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. Don had a passion for flying his airplane, scuba diving, being with family, and photography.
Don is survived by his wife, Bobbi, children Erica Essink (Patrick), and Mo Bedell (David). Don is also survived by his grandchildren, Logan, Maya, and Wolfie, and his brother Al Varnes (Sue).
Funeral arrangements will be held at 2:00pm, September 9, 2017, at Young’s Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association and First Immanuel Lutheran Church Steeple Fund can be made in Don’s honor.