Donald Louis Lauf passed away on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 5:49pm at his home where he was cared for by his family with the support of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Donald Louis Lauf was born on April 9, 1931 to Louis Lauf and Gladys (Bockwoldt) Lauf. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended the first four years of grade school in Grand Rapids, ND. He moved with his family to LaMoure, ND in 1942 where he graduated from high school in 1949. During his high school years, Don was a member of FFA and chosen as a delegate to attend the national convention his Junior year. He was also chosen as a delegate to Boys State. He attended and graduated from Dakota Business College in 1952.

Don then married Arlene K. Botner on August 17, 1952 and they made their first home in Halstad, MN, where he worked for the Ford Motor Company as an accountant. Don and Arlene moved back to LaMoure in 1953 where Don began his 45 year career with the ND dairy industry. While living in LaMoure, in addition to working at the creamery as general manager, he also held the position of clerk of the school board, city auditor, and fund raising chairman for the Red Cross of LaMoure County. For six years Don was a member of the 144th Quartermaster Reserve Unit of LaMoure. He also served on the church board and taught Sunday School at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1966, Don moved his family to Bismarck, ND where he served as office manager of Bridgeman Creamery (Yegen Dairy). He was transferred to Fargo, ND in 1968 where he was branch manager of Bridgeman Creamery. In 1973, Don began working for Cass Clay Creamery as route supervisor and sales representative. In 1986, he was transferred to Mandan, ND as the division manager for Cass Clay Creamery. During this time, Don served as Secretary/Treasurer of the North Dakota Dairy Industry Association and was appointed to the North Dakota Dairy Promotion Board by Governor Schafer.

In 1998, Don retired from the dairy industry and he and Arlene moved to Ulen, MN. While living in Ulen, he worked seasonal truck driving for West Central Ag and Triangle Ag. He also served as congregational president and treasurer for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Don was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, love of family and his Christian Faith. His love of athletics began when he participated in high school football and basketball, independent basketball, baseball and bowling. He coached his daughters in fast pitch softball and enjoyed watching his sons play baseball. After retirement, his joy was in watching his grandchildren play whatever seasonal sport was in progress. He followed the LaMoure Loboes, Ulen Spartans, Minnesota Twins, Vikings, NDSU Bison and Fargo South Bruins.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlene, five children and grandchildren: daughter, Bobbie Monroe, grandchildren, Brenna, Brianna, Brooke Monroe; daughter, Jeri Wilmore (Gerald Holo), grandchildren, Nate, Cody, Trent and Mattie Wilmore; son, Greg Lauf, grandchildren, Ariel, Samara, Taliah and Elan Lauf; son, Rodney Lauf, grandchildren, Chris and Danny Lauf; daughter, Mari Grafsgaard (Rod Athey), grandchildren, Jordan and Justin Grafsgaard; granddaughter, Nicole Smith; 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Donnie, Son-in-law "Super" Dave Grafsgaard, his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Iris Lauf, and sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Sheldon Schmidt.

Don will live on in our hearts forever. Blessed be his memory.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, MN. Visitation will be Monday, September 21st from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm and visitation will continue one hour before the services on Tuesday all at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the High Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, LaMoure, ND, on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.