Donald J. Denault

Donald J. Denault, 92, formerly of Cavalier, ND passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the church.

Donald was born near Olga, North Dakota, to Levi and Catherine (Hurley) Denault. He attended the Tongue River School and then farmed with this dad. On September 16, 1950 he married Marilyn Sundberg of Loma, ND. They farmed east of Langdon until 1963 when they bought land in South Olga Township. They raised cattle and grew crops.

As a young man, Donald taught himself to play guitar. He and Marilyn both enjoyed playing guitar and singing.  They were in a band in the late 60’s.  He was also a skilled marksman and enjoyed deer hunting. As a farmer, he had many skills and talents including carpentry and working with animals. In the 1970s he also worked at the PAR site, first as a carpenter and then in security.

Donald is survived by his daughters: Julia (Bob) Landry of Eagan, MN, Anita (Gary) Stevens of Cavalier, ND, Susan (John) Freienmuth of St Charles, MO, Wanda (Colin) Busch of Kamas, UT and Dawn (Roger) Gendron of Divide, CO. Grandchildren: Steven (Lalia) Brehmer of Fairbanks, AK, Keven Brehmer of Fargo, ND, Nikki (Bobby) Auge of Cottage Grove, MN, Charlie Landry of Austin, TX, Patrick Landry of Eagan, MN, Kent (Jannelle) Stevens of Fargo, ND, Katy (Joshua) Abrahamson, Paul (Larissa) Stevens of South Jordan, UT, Eric (Jen) Freienmuth of Appleton, WI, Natalie (Colin) Shipley of St. Charles, MO, Nadine (Aaron) Isom, Wanship, UT, Ashley (Michael) Duchsherer of Minot, ND and Brittany Gendron of Minneapolis, MN. Great grandchildren: Madelynne Brehmer; Bobby Auge; Kayleigh and Brayden Stevens; Alice, Jane and Luna Shipley; Aria and Olivia Isom; Holden and Theo Duchsherer.          

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Marilyn, son Ronald, daughter Cynthia, and his brothers and sisters: Levi, Jr., Agnes, Alcid, Delores, Adeline; and great-grandson, Shiloh Duchsherer.