Donald Keith Arithson, 66, of Rhame, North Dakota, died on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota, from pancreatic cancer. Funeral Services for Donald will be Friday, June 8, 2012, at the Bowman Lutheran Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Galen Strand will officiate with burial to follow in Tuttle Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 7, 2012, at 9:00 am with a Family and Friends service starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel.
Donald and his twin brother David, were born on March 28, 1946, in Baker, Montana, to Edward and Evelyn Arithson. Donald attended and graduated from Rhame High School in 1964. He then attended Black Hills State University where he received a degree in business administration. After graduation, he moved back home and worked on the family ranch.
Donald married Kathy Smalley in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1969. Three children were born to this union: Michelle, Michaelene and Sean. The family moved to the city of Rhame after the family ranch was sold in 1989. Donald than became a self-employed contract pumper in the oilfield where he worked until he became sick.
Donald loved his family more than anything else and he would always put them first. He also took great pride in his yard and was known in the area for his groomed lawn and beautiful flowers. He loved decorating for Christmas by stringing lights on his house and yard. His Christmas star could be seen for miles. Donald was active in the Rhame community. He served on the Rhame City Council, the Rhame School Board, and the Cenex board. He served on both the Bethany and First Lutheran Church councils and was an active member of the Rhame Fire Department.
Donald is survived by his wife, Kathy and his three children, Michelle (Darren) Watson, West Fargo, ND, Michaelene (Bart) Slagter, Sioux Center, IA and Sean (Jackie) Arithson, Bismarck, ND. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon, Nick and Mackenzie Watson, Morgan and Max Slagter and an expecting Arithson grandchild. Donald's surviving siblings include Rodger (Roma), Greely, CO, David (Lynda), Bowman, ND, Dwight (Kim), Parker, CO, Audrey (Howard) Harvey, Scottsbluff, NE, Lynn (Dave) Rathbun, Nisland, SD, Jane (Doug) Rogers, Rapid City, SD and Jeannette (Dick) Blair, Edwards, CO.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Evelyn, and by his sisters Ruth, Eileen and Elinor and brother, Jim.