Donald Walter Line

Donald Line passed away peacefully at his home in Verndale, Minnesota, on June 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Donald Walter Line was born on February 17, 1950, to Velma (Kellem) and Joyce Line and was the eldest of eight siblings. He was raised north of Verndale on a dairy farm. Donald attended Verndale High School, graduating with the class of 1968. After High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. He was a crew chief of EC47 aircraft in Vietnam, and on B52H aircraft in the US assigned to the Strategic Air Command.

After four years of service, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and attended the electrical program at the community college in Wadena. He worked his way up to become a licensed A Master Electrician in Minnesota and North Dakota. After some time he became part owner in the Electrical Contracting Company in Fargo, North Dakota that he apprenticed for previously.

After around 15 years Donald made the decision to go on another adventure, selling his interest in the company and starting working independently on electrical projects all over rural Alaska. He made his home in Eagle River, Alaska for some time, and later in Verndale. Donald was given the opportunity to teach in the Electrical Program at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College. He continued teaching for 18 ½ years until retiring. He also taught classes at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota during that time. He attended classes at Bemidji State University to become licensed to teach in technical education programs in Minnesota.

He married Joanne Grow, with whom he shared a life grounded in simplicity and modesty—values that defined him throughout his years. Together they have one son Gabriel.

Don is preceded into death by his parents, and sister-in-law Bonnie Line.

Don will be mourned by his wife Joanne; son Gabriel (Teresa) Line; grandchildren: Parker and Jett; siblings: Anita Line, Dwight (Mary Ann) Line, Linda (Jerry) Korfe; Jerry (Diane) Line, Richard Line, Mary (Dean) Sloan, and Jennifer (Chris) Line-Chapman; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. 

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

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