Feb. 25, 1934 – Nov. 20, 2024

Donald Duane Nordquist, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, returned home to his Heavenly Father and his loving wife Bette, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at the age of 90.

Born to Louis and Daisy Nordquist on Feb. 25, 1934, on a farmhouse in rural Marvin, South Dakota, Don was the second youngest of eight children. Growing up, he was an incredibly talented athlete, excelling in basketball. However, his family’s move to the country forced him to drop out of school and give up his passion for sports.

At the age of 17, Don joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in France during the Korean War. Upon his return, he met and married Arlys Likness in 1954, and together they had two sons and three daughters. The family later settled in Milbank, South Dakota, where Don was a devoted father, coaching his boys in baseball and his girls in softball. He was also an active member of the Milbank community, playing slow-pitch softball and participating in the local bowling league.

In 1979, Don moved his family to Utah for work, where he lived for 42 years before returning to Milbank in 2021 to be closer to his daughters. After his divorce from Arlys in 1982, he found love again and married Bette Butler DuClos in February 1987. They spent many joyful years together in Grantsville, Utah, where they shared a passion for gardening, fishing, and camping. They were sealed for time and eternity on Sept. 30, 1996.

Don and Bette’s greatest happiness came from spending time with family. Whether boating and fishing with their children and grandchildren or cheering on the little ones at their sporting events, Don cherished these moments deeply. One of his most fulfilling roles came after retirement, when he worked as a crossing guard for local elementary schools, earning the love and admiration of many children.

Don is survived by his children Randy (Ann) Nordquist, Tyrone (Patty) Nordquist, Brenda (Scott) Malimanek, Tamara (Greg) Hentges, and Becky (Timothy) Gonzales; his stepchildren Lanny (Andrea) DuClos, Cindy (Robert) Larsen, Sabrina (Bret) Anderson, and Becky (Phillip) Medina; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and his sister Bonnie Aesoph.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bette; his parents, Louis and Daisy Nordquist; and his brothers and two sisters.

A viewing was held in Milbank, South Dakota, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Don’s body has been returned to Utah, where he will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart. A second viewing will take place Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a family gathering at the Hale Street Chapel, 428 S. Hale St., Grantsville, Utah. Burial will follow at the Grantsville City Cemetery.