Donald Dean Risseeuw, age 84, passed away on October 5th, 2014, at Pine View Good Samaritan Center. He took his last breath surrounded by his five children. Funeral services have been set for Thursday, October 9th, 2014, at United Methodist Church in Valentine with interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Don was born October 30, 1929, in Lakeview, SD, to Isaac and Gertrude (Dykstra) Risseeuw. He was the third of six children. They grew up in a one-room log home. To ensure her kids stayed warm, his mom filled the cracks with socks and wallpapered over it. Growing up on the farm, the kids were responsible for milking cows, but they enjoyed playing checkers and cards with their dad and sipping on hot cocoa and eating popcorn with their mom.
Don proposed to the love of his life, Lavina Brill, on her 18th birthday. The two were wed on August 4, 1952, in Winner, SD. They resided in the Lakeview area for the first few years of their marriage and then moved to Valentine, NE, where they raised their five children.
Don worked as a mechanic at Raubach Motors until he decided to purchase White Eagle Service, branding it as Don's Mobil Service. He thoroughly enjoyed operating his own business, as working on vehicles was a great passion. He was fond of educating customers and family members on how to take great care of their vehicles…"keep the gas tank ½ full." His advice to his family and friends was to drive a Buick or Oldsmobile and NEVER use Pennzoil. People still comment that Don's Mobil sold the coldest soda for miles and miles, and many remember that it was the 'hot spot' for after-school drinks and snacks. His grandchildren were often gifted a quarter to purchase Double Bubble gum or 'turn the dial' on the cashew machine. The "grands" loved it when 'Gramps' would let them squeeze some Cheez Whiz on Townhouse crackers.
Don's favorite past time was baseball. He loved watching his beloved Cubs play on the TV. When he wasn't watching his Cubs, the TV was tuned to the Weather Channel. He was an avid softball player. He did this throughout his school years and into his adult life. His teams garnered several trophies and he loved participating in tournament play! He and Lavina loved square dancing with their friends – they did this for years – and occasionally took their kids along to join in for line-dancing. Don often reminisced on these years as some of the best times he ever had.
After he retired, Don hardly ever missed his daily routine of breakfast at Jordan's Cafe, all the waitresses knew his order without asking. There, he got to catch-up on the weekly gossip with his coffee buddies. After breakfast, he was known to read the newspaper or run errands – which always included picking up his favorites, Certs mints and French-roasted peanuts.
He was sometimes a stubborn man, but he always carried his faith on his sleeve. He was a devout Christian and very fond of his time with both the Lakeview Community Church and United Methodist Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great–grandfather and friend. He is loved tremendously and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The last days of his life were not easy, but we're sure he was greeted at the Heavenly gates by the wife he so dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lavina Risseeuw, just 5 months ago, along with his parents, Isaac and Gertrude Risseeuw, his brothers, Harold and Ray Risseeuw, and his sister, Millie Stoner. Don is survived by his children: LaDonna (Bob) Nelson of Valentine, Gwen (Dave) Canet of Chadron, Wes (Allison) Risseeuw of Estelline, SD, Wayne (Jean) Risseeuw of Valentine, and Joni (Scott) Roberts of Chadron; 19 grandchildren: Jess (Megan) Nelson, Trevor Nelson, Chad Nelson, Troy (Abbie) Nelson, Marcus Nelson, Sara Clyde, Steven Canet, Sam Canet, Chelsey (Eric) Elenkiwich, Ryan (Staci) Risseeuw, Austin Risseeuw, Allison Risseeuw, Douglas Risseeuw, Daniel (Ashley) Risseeuw, Kassi (Phillip) Mues, Jordan (Colby) Fletcher, Macy Roberts, Skylar Roberts and Brooks Roberts; sister, Arlene (Wiilie) Hoff, brother, Jim Risseeuw, sister in law Marsha Risseeuw and brother in law Chuck Stoner. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren: Eliana, Brylee, Carter, Anthony, Miles, Olive, Collins and Brooke.
Memorials may be made to Valentine Little League Baseball. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of the arrangements. Special thanks to the Pine View Staff, Dr. Senseney and all those who assisted in caring for him.